John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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392. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an update and timeframe for delivery on proposed works (details supplied) following the completion of a consultation period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49152/25]

John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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393. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if due consideration has been given to local wildlife and their habitats during the course of proposed works at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49153/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 393 together.

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland completed the Brosna Arterial Drainage Scheme in 1955 and have statutory responsibility for the maintenance of the scheme. Belmont Weir is located on the River Brosna, approximately 6.9km upstream of the outfall to the River Shannon. Both the weir and the channel form part of the Brosna Arterial Drainage Scheme.

Proposed maintenance works are planned to be undertaken to the weir and the channel. The works include; the reduction of timber growth located behind the weir, the removal of silt and transfer to an offsite storage area, and the repair of stone work. In order to facilitate some of the proposed works, water levels at the weir will need to be dropped, and the area in question left to dry.

Belmont weir is located upstream of the River Shannon Callows, Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and the Middle Shannon Callows, Special Protection Area (SPA). A number of environmental restrictions exist in relation to timing of works. As the tree management element of the proposed works requires instream access, this can only take place in the month of September. This is due to the timing restrictions relating to the bird nesting season (1st March - 31st August) and the salmonid spawning season.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) have conducted the necessary Appropriate Assessment (AA Screening and Natura Impact Statement for the proposed works. The AA Screening and Natura Impact Statement report were issued to the National Parks & Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland for review. Public Consultation for the proposed works began in June 2025 and closed in July 2025. A number of observations were received, and were considered in the Natura Impact Statement, which was then revised to provide further clarification on the proposed works.

The OPW has completed and has published a Determination Statement, which concluded that the proposed works will not have an adverse effects on the integrity of the River Shannon Callows SAC and the Middle Shannon Callows SPA. All Appropriate Assessments, including the Determination Statement are available at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/office-of-public-works/collections/2025-opw-site-specific-appropriate-assessments/#brosna.

The Office of Public Works is currently engaging with local landowners to gain access to lands to commence the proposed works and, subject to gaining access and the required low flow conditions, plan to commence the works before the end of September 2025, which is the current in-stream season. The completion of works is intended to take place in the next in-stream season, which is between July and September 2026.