Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding flood relief works on the River Suck; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28502/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The River Suck forms part of the River Suck Joint Drainage District, and as such the responsibility for maintenance rests with the relevant local authorities, in this case Galway and Roscommon County Councils. The maintenance of the drainage district is undertaken by the River Suck Joint Drainage District Committee, which comprises of 16 members elected by members of Galway and Roscommon County Councils. Annual funding is provided to the Committee by the Councils.

Under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, as amended, all local authorities are required to furnish to the Office of Public Works an annual report in respect of the conditions of the Drainage Districts within their care. The report for the year ended 31st December, 2010 submitted by the River Suck Joint Drainage District Committee shows that the Committee expended €203,000 on maintaining the district, which comprised the removal of silt and weed from the main river and tributaries, and the repair of sluice gates and bridges.

In addition to the maintenance works undertaken by the Committee, the Office of Public Works has provided significant funding to Roscommon and Galway County Councils under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme to undertake flood alleviation measures at a number of locations on the River Suck.

To date, Galway County Council has been allocated funding of almost €1.7m under the Scheme for flood alleviation measures in Ballinasloe Town and the surrounding areas. This allocation includes funding of €1.1m to undertake substantive works at Derrymullen/Ashfield which are now complete and funding of €163,000 for various works at East Bridge. Funding of €54,000 was also provided to undertake drainage works at Ballyglass, Ballymoe, which are also complete.

Roscommon County Council has been allocated almost €338,000 for a number of projects in the area. This allocation includes an amount of €270,000 for the construction of a weir and overflow channel at Athleague, together with the undertaking of channel maintenance, and an amount of €54,000 to increase pipe capacity at Valeview, Castlerea.

The consideration of flooding matters in the River Suck catchment is also being addressed through the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study which commenced earlier this year. The Deputy will be aware of the current position regarding this study from my reply of 4th October, 2011 to PQ 26920/11 which details the progress made to date.