The Office of Public Works (OPW) has said that the State will not have to bear the cost of additional works at a flood relief scheme in Kilkenny that has already cost €48 million.
Yesterday The Irish Times reported that structural deficiencies were found on a weir that had been widened as part of the scheme, and which will require serious remediation work in order to ensure that it does not collapse or disintegrate.
The scheme has already cost four times its original estimate of 13.8 million, and has been highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Earlier this year, problems with the rebuilt weir emerged after salmon were unable to use a fish pass over the structure on their way to spawning grounds.
While examining the weir to alleviate this problem, OPW officials discovered other structural deficiencies.
Yesterday a spokesman for the OPW said there was "no question" of the State having to pay for the additional work, which will require part of the river Nore to be dammed next year.
He said the OPW had secured an agreement from the contractors on the scheme - Ascon and consultant engineers Mott McDonald - that the State would not have to pay for the additional work.
He added that Tom Parlon, the junior Minister with responsibility for the OPW, said earlier this year he would ensure that any remedial work would not be paid for by the State.