This is a matter that Deputy Connolly has brought up on many occasions. I have a response here which really just deals with the scheme itself, with which the Deputy is very familiar. The Deputy has asked for specifics in terms of timelines-----

Yes, there are two questions but in terms of the answer I have here, the standard answer is basically dealing with the scheme but what the Deputy wants is to deal specifically with the timing on it.

Obviously, I will deal with that. It is something that I will address for the Deputy. There have been three programmes for this scheme, namely, a baseline programme, an updated programme and now, a revised programme. Upon the appointment of consulting engineers in November 2020, an updated programme identified the need for coastal assessment, including on the extent of wave overtopping and so the agreed baseline programme was extended until the study assessments were completed. In terms of the revised programme, a …

Yes. I am reading the reply. I was called for No. 43 and am reading the reply. Sorry, I am not actually reading the reply because Deputy Connolly has brought this up on many occasions and I have dealt with it on many occasions. I want to deal with the particular matter she has raised. If I read the transcript as provided, it will not address the Deputy's concerns. The recently submitted programme by Arup takes into account its work on hydrology and hydraulics from the coastal assessment and the scale of the floodin…

She probably has a good update then. When approved, the steering group will publish the updated steering programme to the project website shortly thereafter. It may be worth noting that The Connacht Tribune in early March 2024 published an article stating that the planning for this scheme was now delayed to 2027. Given that the preferred option for the scheme is not yet confirmed, the programme of the timeline associated with planning approved and construction is difficult to define at this juncture. This will be s…

The consultants are in the process of updating the scheme's programme, which is planned to be considered and approved, as I said, by the project steering group at its next meeting, tomorrow, 10 July. When approved, the steering group will publish the updated scheme programme to the project's website thereafter. I understand that this has been a long process; however, due to the increased scoping, such a process was necessary. The Deputy is very familiar with the process so I do not need to go back over it and the r…

I will take the matters in reverse order. The council recently submitted a request for additional funding to the OPW for an increase in consultancy fees to facilitate the revised scope, and these have been approved by the OPW. As I said, the consultants are in the process of updating the scheme's programme, which will be considered by the project steering group tomorrow, 10 July. I do not have a precise date for the Deputy but I expect it will be published as soon as possible. It is something I can come back to her…

That goes without saying. In my role as Minister of State, I have always valued this. Flooding has been with me all my political life, and the people on the ground have a major input to make in terms of both public participation and, in many cases, knowledge.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 59 together. I know of Deputy Stanton's absolute commitment to this issue and his long-standing representation in Midleton. I was down there in my role as Minister of State with responsibility for local government and, more recently, in my role as Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW. I visited Midleton and I am aware of the devastation that flooding has caused to people and businesses in east Cork. Cork County Council is leading the delivery of the Midleton floo…

I thank the Deputy. I appreciate his utter frustration. In my role as Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, my main purpose in visiting Midleton recently was to get a full picture as to where the schemes were at. The OPW is actively engaging with Cork County Council on progressing the substantive main scheme. The only timeframe that is within the control of the council is the timeframe for submitting a planning application for the most efficient route to deliver the scheme as quickly as possible. Once …

There were elements-----

Has it taken longer than one would have liked? Yes. I have been in this role for a short period. Storm Babet was certainly a factor. Anything being put forward had to be proofed against such a storm. Once again, I will note that the main scheme will take a number of years to complete. We therefore must look at what must be done now to protect people's homes in Midleton, Castlemartyr, Mogeely and Killeagh. That might be interim measures, individual protection measures, action under the minor works scheme or advance …

I thank Deputy Stanton again. I was in Barryscourt Castle on a fine summer's day. I commend the OPW staff on the fantastic work and their utter commitment to it. Many of them are from the area. I was really impressed by the work. As Deputy Stanton is aware, the initial phase of the projects, which have been ongoing for some time, involves progressively drying the entire castle structure, repointing, regrouting and carrying out additional fabric repairs to prevent future water ingress. This work has proven to be tec…

The context here is that it is an Anglo-Norman castle, the seat of the Barry family, and one of the finest restored Irish tower houses. It dates back to 1392 and 1420. The castle has an outer bawn wall and largely intact corner towers. The ground floor contains a dungeon in which prisoners were dropped via the drop hole located on the second floor. I did not actually go near that point. I did not tempt fate. It was purchased by a private trust set up in 1987 by concerned locals, including Peter Barry, who was a for…

I am aware from meeting people locally of this particular plan for in Carrigtwohill. I had a relatively short visit there but we and the OPW would always be looking at particular historical sites and the comparative advantage in terms of the area around it. That is something we are open to in terms of the OPW considering any proposal. In most cases when we are looking at them, they are unconditional but it is something we will certainly look at.

I thank Deputy Durkan for raising this. I have been in this role for a relatively short period. I will not go over the script I have been provided. I will give my thoughts, which are that I have been in this role for a short period and have come to this as an honest broker. I have had three meetings of the working group. I want people to work collaboratively. I have come in with no preconceived views on it. I am on record with the group as saying that Lime Avenue is for pedestrian access and it will continue to be …

I would never question the Deputy's bona fides, as, I have no doubt, he would not question mine.

I acknowledge yours.

I am doing my level best. At the end of the day, there is a working group. I met the group twice and am hoping to meet it again shortly with the Deputy and others. I am open to meeting any group but I inherited a situation where a working group was established that was multifactoral across the spectrum in the community. I want to work. The Deputy is correct: the M4 is the access point. I want to go through a process to get to that point. My motives are genuine. I want to work with everyone. I want to have a meeting…

I thank the Deputies for raising this matter. The national children's science centre, NCSC, aims to provide an interactive science museum that will include over 200 scientific exhibits, interactive science spaces and demonstration areas, as well as a lecture and planetarium space. I understand that it is intended that these facilities will interact with science curriculum activity in schools, scientific organisations and related technological groups. This is consistent with the Government's policy on the promotion …