Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

76. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure that our waterways, streams, and rivers for which he has responsibility in the Castleisland area will be cleaned of branches, and so on, that are growing into these streams and rivers and obstructing the natural way of the water. [12241/14]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Office of Public Works has responsibility for approximately 11,500 km of arterial drainage channels, about 2,200 km being subject to routine maintenance each year as part of an ongoing programme of arterial drainage maintenance. This leads to an average cycle of maintenance taking place just over once every 5 years. This work is carried out to ensure that the State's investment in the Arterial Drainage schemes continues to provide the intended benefits. Castleisland is within the River Maine catchment and is maintained as part of the OPW's arterial drainage responsibilities in this area.

While significant damage to many of the OPW assets on the River Maine catchment occurred during the storms in the early part of this year, the OPW is currently in the process of rectifying these issues, including the removal of any obstructions to the natural flow of the watercourses where appropriate. Emphasis has to date been placed on any major blockages within the system and I am advised that these have been addressed as a matter of priority and the OPW is continuing to deal with the issues as quickly as possible with the resources available.