Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I thank him for the wonderful day we recently spent in Roscommon, turning on the temporary pumping system in Lough Funshinagh to help manage the flood risk pending the completion of the permanent scheme. On that day he praised the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and my colleagues, former Ministers of State responsible for the OPW, Deputy Kieran O'Donnell and Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, for identifying the interim solution, along with the team in Roscommon County Council, led by the senior executive engineer Caroline Nally. I also acknowledge the work done by my predecessor, Senator Aisling Dolan, and Councillor Laurence Fallon who lives in the area beside the turlough itself.

The Minister if State also acknowledged the support and constructive engagement of the residents of Lough Funshinagh. Their deep connection with Lough Funshinagh and its preservation has been to the fore throughout the whole process, notwithstanding the challenges they have faced from the flood risk to their homes and businesses.

Following on from Senator Keogan's comments, the water level in Lough Funshinagh reached a new record in April 2024 of 3.3 m higher than the average levels, spread across 175 ha of land. I want to look toward the permanent solution with certainty. I call on the Minister of State to keep the pressure on to deliver that permanent solution without delay. Would it be possible to get the dates An Bord Pleanála will allow the temporary pumping to run until? When do we expect to lodge the planning application for the permanent solution? Will the Minister of State outline when he expects the injunction to be lifted? When does he expect the work on the permanent solution to begin, and when do we expect to have it completed?

Before I finish, I wish the Minister of State a happy birthday today.