Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures taken by the Office of Public Works to resolve flooding at a river at Ballycatlan, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, which has previously caused extensive damage to lands belonging to a person (details supplied); if plans can be put in place to erect a bridge across the river at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28961/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Two channels forming part of the Glyde and Dee Arterial Drainage Scheme flow through the lands concerned and the Office of Public Works (OPW) has a statutory responsibility to maintain this Scheme. One of these channels, and a portion of the other, was maintained by the OPW as part of the Scheme channel maintenance works carried out during 2010. However, it was not possible to maintain the remainder of the channel at that time due to an issue over the securing of access from this landowner.

On foot of a channel survey carried out by the OPW earlier this year, the maintenance of a channel downstream of the affected lands was undertaken. The OPW has this week inspected the channel to determine the impact of these works on the water levels through the lands of the person concerned upstream and whether any further works are required. Arrangements will then be made to maintain the remainder of the channel. It will be necessary to secure the co-operation of the landowner regarding access in order to undertake this maintenance. My Office is not in a position to erect a bridge on the lands, as the OPW does not build new bridges on existing arterial drainage schemes.