Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

For some reason, the Minister of State seems to think that a review of the Arterial Drainage Act means a complete cessation of all flood management works but that is just scaremongering. It is the same type of scaremongering that we are seeing with regard to the nature restoration law by the European People's Party group in Brussels. What we are talking about is a review of the Act so that it is fit for purpose and protects properties, towns and villages while also protecting our biodiversity.

The Minister of State said that the OPW carries out works in compliance with environmental legislation but the evidence before our eyes is to the contrary. The OPW is regularly in breach of both EU and national environmental legislation. What we need is an OPW that respects the law as well as flood management and land use systems that are fit for purpose and protect homeowners, villages and towns, but also protect biodiversity.