Written answers

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

10:00 pm

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 156: To ask the Minister for Finance the procedures regarding the removal of silt from a river bed to deepen the river; the licences that have to be obtained; the cost and duration of time to fulfil the requirements; the agencies to apply to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45517/09]

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In its drainage operations, the Office of Public Works distinguishes between, on the one hand, the removal of silt and débris that has accumulated in a watercourse over time and, on the other hand, the deepening or deepening and widening of a watercourse below its original bed profile.

The former case, generally referred to as maintenance, is a duty of owners of property along the watercourse under common law, or, in some cases, may be the statutory duty, or within the discretionary powers, of a State body. Maintenance may be subject to certain planning and environmental legislative provisions. It is generally exempt from planning permission unless the activity is to be carried out in a site designated under legislation, e.g., the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, in which case the applicable legislation or EU Directives may introduce restrictions. Where maintenance is required by statue, a specified standard of maintenance is generally imposed.

Works involving altering the profile of a watercourse are subject to a variety of provisions under arterial drainage, planning and environmental legislation. Applicable legislation may include the Arterial Drainage Acts, where works are proposed by the Commissioners of Public Works, the Planning Acts, the National Monuments Acts and a wide variety of EU Directives. Many of these legislative instruments and directives are applied based on the scale of proposed works, the environmental sensitivity of the area in which works are proposed and the likely consequences of such works.

In relation to licensing of drainage activities, the competent authorities are generally the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Fisheries Boards under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Specific types of activity require a formal license, while, in others, there is a legislative obligation to consult, which includes obtaining agreement from the competent authority.

Compliance with the relevant body of legislation is normally integrated into the process of undertaking works. The cost and time involved in this element of the process varies significantly from case to case depending on the quality and amount of scientific data already available and whether detailed surveys and investigations are required. They can be quite significant at times.

Photo of Joe CareyJoe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 157: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to introduce a national early warning system for flood risk in co-ordination with local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45799/09]

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I advised the Dáil on Tuesday 24 November and Wednesday 2 December that the OPW will shortly go to tender for consultants to carry out a strategic review to assess operational structures, costs and benefits of a National Flood Warning System.

The purpose of undertaking a strategic review of options for Flood Forecasting and Warning (FF&W) is to: (a) Examine the potential benefits that FF&W could achieve, (b) Identify and assess the options for the delivery of such a service in Ireland, and (c) To develop an appropriate and sustainable strategy for FF&W in Ireland. The review will be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced consultants with the Office of Public Works funding the project and managing the review. A steering group, involving the relevant stakeholders, will participate in the review process.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.