Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Independent)
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155. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following works carried out by the Office of Public Works to a bridge near a person's land (details supplied) in County Galway, his plans to rectify the drainage issues causing flooding to this persons property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47920/13]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Following an inspection of the site earlier this year, drainage maintenance staff from the Office of Public Works have recently unblocked the culvert at this location. Maintenance of the channel was carried out in 2012, and the next scheduled maintenance is in 2016.

The works carried out by the OPW on the bridge at this location have not caused or contributed to the drainage problem. The levels of water in this channel flow to a swallow hole, which in turn flows underground. When the underground flow path fills to capacity there is nowhere for the water to go. The swallow hole determines the water levels in the channel. I understand that there is no readily available solution to improve the drainage of these lands and, therefore, the OPW will not be carrying out any further works at this location, apart from maintenance.