Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

245. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will seek responses on queries (details supplied) with respect to an issue which has come to light in respect of the cutting of trees at the Lynns, Annagassan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10037/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Office of Public Works (OPW) arterial drainage maintenance programme comprises 11,500km of river channel and approximately 800km of embankments. This provides drainage for 260,000 hectares of agricultural lands, as well as a level of protection from flooding to infrastructure, including in excess of 21,000 properties, 2,400 kilometres of roads and 77 towns and villages.

The OPW’s operational staff will generally contact a landowner prior to accessing their land. The maintenance work carried out on embankment E5 is included in the 2023 East Region Maintenance programme. The catchment was assessed by the OPW Environment Section, and Inland Fisheries Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service were notified about the 2023 programme.

An error occurred in this case, as it was thought that the area in question belonged to a different landowner. Following communication from the landowner, all work stopped and cut branches and trees were left in place. A member of the OPW staff contacted and apologised to the landowner concerned.