Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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167. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding dredging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28018/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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My role and responsibilities as Minister do not extend to the maintenance, clearance, or dredging of rivers. I understand that the Office of Public Works is the statutory body responsible for Drainage Maintenance on water bodies where capital works have been carried out under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995; and for flood risk management in the State.  Maintenance of all drainage schemes carried out under earlier Acts, for what are known as Drainage Districts, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.  Local authorities also monitor water quality within their functional area, and have shared responsibility for creating a culture of compliance with water quality standards.  In addition, environmental concerns, fisheries matters and tourism or recreational issues, are dealt with by relevant agencies with responsibilities in these matters.