James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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261. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Enniscorthy flood defence scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34402/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Relief Scheme is currently being progressed by Wexford County Council with funding provided by the Office of Public Works. The current position is as follows –

Wexford County Council has appointed two separate consultants for the flood relief scheme and for an associated bridge. The majority of Ecological surveys are complete. The bird survey is ongoing, as is an examination of potential impacts on Pearl Mussels in conjunction with Inland Fisheries.

During the ground investigations, artefacts were found in the Slaney River. These are currently being examined by an archaeologist. However, the archaeologist has suggested that they will not negatively impact the scheme.

A Public Information Day is expected to be held in Q3 2017, outlining the current design of the scheme, and confirmation documents will be subsequently sent to DPER.