asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) in which a local representative stated that during a time of heavy rain and flooding he had to ring the ESB regarding the opening of Meelick sluice gates on the Shannon; why the gates were not open during this period of heavy rain; whether any other sluice gates on the Shannon were closed at the time; if any of the gates are closed at any time during the winter; and, if so, why they should be closed during the winter, in a time of heavy rain, even for a short period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Shannon Sluice Gates.
13.
I have seen the report referred to. The sluice gates at Meelick are under the control of the Office of Public Works and I am informed that these sluices were in fact open at the time in question and have been open since the 11th September. The ESB are unable to trace any record of a telephone message requesting the opening of the Meelick gates at this time. The three gates at Athlone, Parteen and Lough Allen are controlled by the ESB; these were closed during the period and are normally kept closed throughout the winter.
I am informed that the situation in regard to flooding between Athlone and Meelick is best helped by opening the sluice gates at Meelick and closing those at Athlone. This was the position at the time in question.