Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
53. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on a Section 50 application by Cork County Council (details supplied). [69222/26]
View answerSection 50 consent under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, as amended is required from the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland by bodies proposing to carry out construction or alteration works on bridges and culverts.
A Section 50 application for a proposed project located at Sorrell Bridge, Ballyhea was received by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of Cork County Council in September 2025. The OPW in completing its review of the Council's application has requested some additional information which was received on 22 September. The OPW is continuing with its assessment of this Section 50 application and will 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/.
