Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The scheme referred to by the Deputy was an option for mitigation measures in the Mannin Cross area of South Galway that was considered in the 1998 Report. The report concluded that while the economic justification of this proposal was not strong, it did merit further investigation.

A Design Report on the Mannin Cross Scheme was commissioned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and completed in 2000. The proposal identified the need for a flow control structure at Parkslevbaun Lough in Pollnagarragh East to confine flood waters to the immediate area, and a route was identified for a drainage channel to discharge the excess waters into the Aggard Stream which flows into the Dunkellin River. The report concluded that if the scheme were implemented, it would have a significant impact on the Aggard stream and on the Dunkellin River and was therefore, considered not to be feasible at that time.

A further review of the South Galway Flood Study was carried out on behalf of OPW in 2010. This concluded that in order to advance the substantive works involved in the Mannin Cross Scheme, an assessment of the addition capacity needed on the Aggard Stream and on Dunkellin River to accommodate the additional flows, must be made and that the scheme could not proceed in advance of the implementation of the proposed Dunkellin Flood Relief Scheme.

The Dunkellin scheme is being advanced by Galway County Council with funding from the OPW. It is understood that the Council intends to submit the scheme to An Bord Pleanála for consideration in early Summer. It is not possible to indicate when works can be commenced until the scheme has been progressed through the planning process.

With regard to swallow holes, it is OPW's view that works in the vicinity of swallow holes would be unlikely to improve local drainage in the Mannin Cross area.