Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Government approval to progress legislation which will fast-track the delivery of flood relief infrastructure across the State and strengthen decision-making in the area.

The Arterial Drainage (Amendment) Bill 2026 is intended to improve the process by which flood relief schemes under the Arterial Drainage Acts are confirmed, supporting more timely delivery of critical flood relief infrastructure. The Bill introduces statutory timelines for decision-making to reduce delays and provide greater certainty for communities and project delivery. The reforms form part of the Government’s wider agenda to accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure for the State.

A central element of the Bill is the transfer of the statutory consent function for confirming flood relief schemes from the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to An Coimisiún Pleanála, ensuring decisions are made by an independent and competent authority and in full compliance with EU environmental law.

Since 2005, eight flood relief schemes have been completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts. Construction is currently underway on two schemes, at Glashaboy and Crossmolina, while a further three major schemes – Blackpool, Raphoe and the River Lee – are being advanced through design, environmental assessment and pre-planning stages.

Minister Canney said recent experience, including judicial review proceedings, has highlighted the need to strengthen the existing legislative framework.

“This Bill provides a clearer and more robust statutory process for confirming flood relief schemes and helps ensure that critical flood relief infrastructure can be delivered in a timely and legally sound manner,” he said.