Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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215. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to the meeting between the community surrounding Lough Funshinagh and the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW on 10 November 2022, the steps that have been taken to date and the engagements with other State actors to progress a planning solution for the ongoing flooding and threat to homes and farmyards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2545/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Roscommon County Council is leading the response to the flooding risk at Lough Funshinagh, Co. Roscommon.

Under my direction senior officials from the OPW met with officials from Roscommon County Council on 20th June 2022 with those discussions focused on identifying possible approaches to a viable solution to manage the flooding risk at Lough Funshinagh.

On-going engagement with the Council and other State agencies have taken place during 2022.

In December the Council and the OPW agreed to establish an Expert Working Group to support and help to identify the pathway to finding a means of progressing a viable solution. The initial work of the Expert Group, would be to scope out the requirements for a commission(s) to undertake the necessary surveys and investigations. This work is being informed by a review of the evidence and research on the nature and functioning of Lough Funshinagh completed by the OPW in 2022.

The Council is making contact with the proposed membership of this Expert Working Group, with cross departmental and agency representation.

A Steering Group for the work being led by the Council, with representation from the OPW will oversee the work to identify a viable solution to manage the flooding risk at Lough Funshinagh.

I can assure the Deputy that I am doing all that I can to support both the community and Roscommon County Council in progressing this matter to find an effective and sustainable solution to address the flooding risk in the area.