227 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has undertaken a hydrological analysis of any alterations to the flood plains in an area (details supplied) of County Mayo. [8593/07]

228 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works have taken action in relation to a development (details supplied) bordering a river in County Mayo; and the position in this matter. [8594/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.

No hydrological studies have been carried out by the Office of Public Works on the River Deel to date.

However, a number of measures have been identified that will help to reduce the flood risk in Crossmolina. Mayo County Council intend to carry out these works over the coming months. A joint study is being considered to determine the feasibility of a Flood Relief Scheme for Crossmolina.

In relation to the development on the River Deel, the position is as notified to the House in my response of 13th December, 2006 (Question No. 139) namely that planning and development control is a matter for the appropriate planning authorities, in this case Mayo County Council, and not for the Office of Public Works.