James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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98. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the Enniscorthy flood defence scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7774/20]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Enniscorthy (River Slaney) flood defence scheme is being progressed by Wexford County Council (WCC) on behalf of the Commissioners of Public Works as a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. This is a significant scheme within the Office of Public Works (OPW) €1 billion flood relief investment programme, and on completion will protect 236 properties in the town.

The Scheme is currently awaiting formal Confirmation to proceed from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. This is a statutory requirement under the Arterial Drainage Acts , which now, under EU regulations, also requires the Minister to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Scheme. This will involve, inter alia, a formal review of the submitted Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) by the Minister. The review may require further consultation with the Office of Public Works, to clarify and/or amend aspects of the EIAR.