Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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60. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the Office of Public Works bypassed land (details supplied) in County Kerry without clearing it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46489/14]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The lands in question form part of the River Maine Arterial Drainage scheme for which the Office of Public Works has a maintenance responsibility. It is subject 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.

I am advised that, in relation to the works referred to by the Deputy, the embankments under the OPW's care in Callinafercy were being cleared to facilitate the carrying out of a survey rather than normal maintenance work. The embankments on the land referred to by the Deputy were sufficiently clear to allow the survey work to be carried out without further clearance. The survey was completed last week.