310 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in the national parks and wildlife service issuing a licence to the Office of Public Works to remove trees from the river Shannon north of Meelick weir; when the licence will be issued; if his attention has been drawn to the environmental damage that will be caused by such delays including its impact on summer flooding and the wild bird population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47837/10]

I refer to the reply Question No. 253 on 14 December which sets out the position in this case.