Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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182. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be provided by the OPW to a community for the cleaning of a river (details supplied); if the OPW will arrange to clean this river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44538/22]

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 and catchment drainage schemes designated under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995.

As part of the Corrib Mask Arterial Drainage Scheme, the OPW regularly undertakes routine maintenance on the River Robe channel in the Bowers Walk area of Ballinrobe to ensure conveyance is maintained. In addition to the significant repair works undertaken by the OPW along the Bowers Walk stretch of channel in 2021, the OPW has plans this year to undertake works on the sluice gates at the weir on Bowers Walk and to undertake routine vegetation management to maintain conveyance in the channel.

It is also understood that Mayo County Council can provide support to Tidy Towns committees/groups by way of network meetings, seminars, funding supports and environmental initiatives. In addition, community and voluntary groups wishing to carry out litter clean up events can contact the Environment Office of Mayo County Council to avail of bags and gloves for their event - email: environment@mayococo.ie.