Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
70. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on issuing a Section 50 for a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51208/26]
View answerSection 50 consent under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, as amended is required from the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland by bodies and persons proposing to carry out construction/alteration works on bridges and culverts.
A Section 50 application for a proposed project at Gortafluddig Bridge was received by the OPW on behalf of Cork County Council on 28th April 2026. The OPW completed its initial review of the Council's application and identified that additional information was required. I understand that a response to this request was received on 29th June. The OPW will review the Council's response, and continue with its assessment of this Section 50 application and respond to the Council in due course.
The OPW's assessment under Section 50 is concerned solely with the flood risk from the proposed works. Any plans for the progression of construction or alteration works on bridges and culverts, through the Planning and Development Acts, are matters for the relevant Local Authority.
Further details of the Section 50 consent requirements are set out at the following web link:
www.gov.ie/en/office-of-public-works/publications/consent-requirements-constructionalteration-of-watercourse-infrastructure/.
