Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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74. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason it is taking much longer to approve the urgent drainage works proposed for the Clare River in County Galway, given that it was indicated in parliamentary replies before summer 2015 that it was hoped to commence work there during the summer; when this project will be approved and work will commence on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40942/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has submitted the proposals for the Clare River (Claregalway) flood relief scheme for statutory approval or Confirmation by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, as required by the Arterial Drainage Acts.

The issues raised in relation to the delay in obtaining approval by the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) for the Claregalway Flood Relief Scheme were substantially addressed in my reply to the Deputy's previous Question dated 3 November 2015.

However, by way of update I can advise that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin T.D., has now Confirmed the Clare River (Claregalway) Scheme. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has also placed advertisments in the local media and the Iris Oifigiúil notifying the general public of the scheme which is followed by an eight week period of public notice of the confirmation decision.

It is envisaged that following the period of public notice that works will commence on the scheme in the first quarter of 2016.