Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 316: To ask the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has any responsibility when there is a development built without planning permission from the local authority affecting a river (details supplied); the action it can take to ensure such a development is legalised in view of the impact this development could pose to the river, the flood plain, the water course and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10041/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Finance the action, following recent flooding in an area (details supplied), the Office of Public Works will take to help reduce the flood risk, particularly as it is alleged that an unauthorised development could have contributed to the flooding of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10042/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has received correspondence from a local authority (details supplied) regarding a warning letter; if a response has issued to the council in this regard; if the OPW has made observations or recommendations; and if so, the details of same. [10347/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 316, 317 and 328 together.

Planning control in relation to the development referred to is wholly a matter for Mayo County Council. A copy of a warning letter that had been issued by Mayo County Council was received by the Commissioners of Public Works. On 12th March, 2007 the Council requested information from the Commissioners of Public Works in relation to the condition of the channel prior to the development. The information available will be sent to the Council shortly.

As indicated in reply to the Deputy's questions Nos. 227 and 228 on 6th March, 2007 a number of measures to alleviate flood risk at Crossmolina have been identified and these will be carried out by Mayo County Council over the coming months. A joint study to determine the need for and feasibility of a more extensive flood relief scheme for the town is being considered.