Wexford TD James Browne has called on OPW Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran to confirm that funding for the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme will not be cut as a result of the negligent over-spend on the National Children’s Hospital.
Deputy Browne was commenting as Minister Moran told the Oireachtas Finance Committee that flood relief schemes valued at €3m will be cut and delayed to pay for the over-run for the National Children’s Hospital.
“I have written to the Minister seeking his assurance that there will be no further delays to the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme. While it is well-known that the Government needs to make up the massive over-spend, the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme cannot be subject to any further delays.
“Any cuts would make a farce of the Government’s commitment to the scheme. For almost two years, the Government rescheduled public information events. Construction was originally due to commence in 2017”, Deputy Browne explained.
“This week, my Party and I brought the Comptroller & Auditor General (Amendment) Bill 2017 before the Dáil. It provides for enhanced oversight on capital spending and ensures that an automatic C&AG review of capital projects is triggered if costs rise by a certain amount. This would place Ireland in line with international best practice and ensure we learn lessons from the National Children’s hospital over-spend scandal”, concluded Deputy Browne.