Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I do not doubt the Minister of State's sincerity in this matter, I do not think this is acceptable. Even if it will only provide some relief, the river should be dredged. An environmental impact report was published in May 2018. There has been more environmental investigation since, including hydrological and geological investigation. A balance must be struck between the people on one side and habitats and wildlife on the other. The balance is not being struck. It will be of no comfort to people if their properties are flooded this winter. I ask the Minister of State to look at dredging again. It is not a total solution for the longer term; I accept that. I have spoken to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and it explained that it could be done in a sensitive way in light of the special area of conservation status and the presence of the freshwater pearl mussel in the river. I was told that this could all be accommodated but the OPW did not want to go for it. The OPW has not stepped up to the plate. It gave me commitments, which I presume it does not do lightly. It told me that the environmental work had been done and dusted by the end of May. It is now moving on to detailed design. It is going on and on. Will the OPW make up its mind? It has been going on way too long for the people of Crossmolina. It is totally unacceptable and unbelievable that people are being paid for doing this standard of a job.