The Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme is causing political tension locally after Minister Paul Kehoe claimed that “Sinn Fein has been exposed for making false claims about the future of the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme.”
Minister Kehoe pointed to comments made in the Dáil by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, during which he hit out at opposition TDs for casting doubt over capital projects.

TAOISEACH LEO VARADKAR

Mr Varadkar singled out an interview given to South East Radio by Mary Lou McDonald, accusing the Sinn Féin leader of engaging in “spin”.
During the interview last Friday, Ms McDonald claimed that the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme may be impacted by the cost over-run involving the National Children’s Hospital.
But Mr Varadkar categorically rejected the suggestion, during Leaders Questions in the Dail. “I’m going to call it out again: is pure, cynical spin from the opposition.”
Speaking this afternoon, Minister Kehoe welcomed the assurances given by the Taoiseach about the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme.
He added that the €45m pledged for the scheme is ring-fenced and that there was never any question that it may be impacted by the National Children’s Hospital.
“Once again, we have seen a situation where Sinn Fein engage in scaremongering. The party is more interested in spreading mistruths than engaging in any form of constructive politics,” he said.
“I think the people of Enniscorthy have heard loud and clear today from the Taoiseach that this scheme is going ahead.”
Minister Kehoe reiterated that he met OPW Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, along with a delegation from the Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, in Government Buildings earlier this month.
During the meeting, Minister Moran made it absolutely clear that the Flood Defence scheme is progressing and that the funding has been ring-fenced.”