Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I have seen first-hand the devastation that flooding has on people, businesses and communities. The town of Enniscorthy has a long history of flooding. The most recent flood events occurred in 2000 and 2015. Flooding represents a risk to health and safety. In Enniscorthy, it has resulted in significant property damage and traffic disruption.

In March 2020, the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland submitted the Enniscorthy food relief scheme to the then Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for statutory confirmation under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. The main elements of the proposed scheme included construction of flood defence walls, river channel widening and deepening, and removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, with construction of new and replacement road and pedestrian bridges over the River Slaney. In March 2022, the then Minister made a decision to refuse this scheme consent under section 7E(1)(b) of the Arterial Drainage Acts, as amended by the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019. The Minister reached the decision to refuse consent for the scheme due primarily to concerns regarding its impact on the environment and protected species, including the freshwater pearl mussel. My ministerial predecessor, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, at a meeting of Enniscorthy MDC on 4 May 2022, gave a commitment to deliver the flood relief scheme in Enniscorthy. I confirm to the Senator today that I am 100% committed to the flood relief scheme in Enniscorthy.

People ask us to visit and I will gladly do that but there are issues. The environmental element is slowing down the process and delivery of the scheme but I am looking at ways to streamline that. I will also gladly take up the offer to meet the Senator and his colleagues, particularly the councillors.

I was very good to Enniscorthy when I was Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works. I continue my work now by giving the Senator a commitment that I want the delivery of the scheme and I promise that.