I want to raise the issue of the Enniscorthy flood relief scheme. It received a devastating setback from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on Friday, having failed the environmental assessment. The environmental impact was such that the scheme was refused. There are a number of elements to this scheme. I am asking that the new bridge, infrastructure and walls be allowed to proceed. On the other issue of the dredging, I ask that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Office of Public Works and Wexford County Council work together to try to overcome the environmental issues. I know the Taoiseach will understand the importance of the scheme and the impact flooding has had on the town of Enniscorthy over many years. This scheme has been talked about for more than 40 years. The funding was secured under the previous Government. I ask the Taoiseach to look into the issue and talk to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

The decision was taken based on an extensive procedure under the Arterial Drainage Act and associated legislation which involved the engagement of an environmental consultant, public consultation and engagement with other relevant bodies, including the OPW, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This decision was not taken lightly. As the Deputy knows, there has been a significant increase in judicial reviews and other legal challenges to a range of infrastructure development projects arising from increased cross-cutting environmental legislation. It is in everyone's interest that the decision is made now so that the OPW can proceed to consider the matters at hand and assess options available to mitigate the environmental issues identified in the process. The key role for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is to ensure any proposed scheme is compliant with the Arterial Drainage Act and associated legislation through independent environmental impact assessments to ensure there are no significant impacts on the environment. The OPW now needs to assess this decision and come back with proposals.