Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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185. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35815/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Act of 1945. While the River Feale forms part of the Feale Arterial Drainage Scheme, the River Feale and a tributary in the area referred to by the Deputy does not form part of an Arterial Drainage Scheme and as such is not under the auspices of the OPW. Therefore, the OPW is not responsible for the maintenance of any channel or bridge or works to existing structures in this area.

The OPW has a detailed guidance document titled Environmental Guidance: Drainage Maintenance and Construction, which is available from www.gov.ie. This document provides information on best practice and appropriate environmental windows for carrying out works to and along river channels.

The OPW has developed a guidance document, which is aimed at owners of land or property, which is located on the banks of a watercourse. This online guidance document which is available from www.flooding.ie provides some practical advice and assistance for the management of watercourses and on the consents and permissions that may be required for works to a watercourse.