PAC to question delay in flood protection projects

The Dail's Public Accounts Committee is to question the Office of Public Works this morning about the length of time it is taking to deliver flood protection projects.

The Dáil's Public Accounts Committee is to question the Office of Public Works this morning about the length of time it is taking to deliver flood protection projects.

Almost €71m was spent on flood defences in 2013.

Five of the 10 major flood defence schemes started before 2010 and the PAC said it wants to know the reasons for delays in finishing them.

Public Accounts Committee chairman Deputy John McGuinness says it is important that the projects are within budget and are delivered on time.

He said the committee will ask "are they getting value for money in relation to these schemes and also to find out why it's taking so much time to roll out the food relief schemes."

He added: "Over €70m made available in the context of the flood relief schemes, I'm very anxious that once this money was allocated, that they would deliver it at speed to the local areas that were affected."