Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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316. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when tree cutting along a river (details supplied) will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2443/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended.

The location concerned forms part of the Maine Arterial Drainage Scheme. Officials from the OPW South West Drainage Maintenance section met with the property owner last week and discussed the concerns.

The works are being progressed within available resources and tree surgeons are currently being procured. Once appointed they will need to liaise with the ESB to confirm if nearby powerlines need to be disconnected prior to management of the trees. This will determine the date that works can be completed. Works will have to be completed outside of the bird nesting season, (March 1st to August 31st). In the interim, the OPW will engage an arborist to assess the trees for stability and soundness. If they conclude that the trees are unsafe the OPW will identify how those works can be completed outside of the tree cutting season.