asked the Minister for Finance if he is prepared to make a payment to farmers in the Shannon Catchment area, between Athlone and Meelick, in compensation for the serious losses of hay and other crops suffered by them during the 1946 harvest season arising from flooding in that area; and if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that those responsible for the control of the waters of the Shannon will maintain a lower level of water in the river in future in order to obviate the recurrence of similar hardships.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Flooding.
The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The flow of water in the Shannon is regulated in the dual interests of power and navigation in such a manner as to avoid as far as possible flooding of contiguous lands. A system of control to afford immunity from floods in the area is not practicable.