asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce regulations to ensure that the water level of seven feet two inches at the Meelick weir on the Shannon will be reduced in view of the fact that it was introduced as a minimum level for commercial traffic and that a lower level will not inconvenience recreational craft but help to reduce flooding in the Clonown area, Athlone, County Westmeath.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Flooding.
18.
Because of shoals in the navigation channel of the River Shannon between Banagher and Athlone it is necessary to maintain a water level of seven feet at Victoria Lock, Meelick. Any lowering of this level would endanger navigation and would have little or no effect on flood conditions in the Clonown area.
19.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will recommend the removal of the island in the Shannon north of the bridge at Shannonbridge, County Offaly, which has been produced by silting and now constitutes an obstruction to the flow of water which aggravates flooding in the Clonown area, Athlone, County Westmeath.
Mr. Kenny
The island, which lies immediately upstream of the bridge at Shannonbridge, is more than 30 acres in extent and works to it in the interests of drainage could only be considered by the Commissioners of Public Works in the context of a drainage scheme for the River Shannon catchment.
20.
asked the Minister for Finance the number of arches in the bridge that crosses the Shannon at Shannonbridge, County Offaly, the agency which is responsible for their maintenance; and the number that are sufficiently clear to allow water through under normal circumstances.
Mr. Kenny
This bridge has 17 arches. One of these is a navigation arch and is under the control of the Commissioners of Public Works for navigation purposes. The maintenance of the remainder of the structure is the responsibility of the local authorities.
Under normal circumstances there is adequate waterway for discharge purposes at the bridge.
21.
asked the Minister for Finance if keepers of locks and weirs on the Shannon other than those under the control of the ESB adjust the flow of water on receipt of local information to the effect that floods are beginning to rise; or whether they must first consult with a central authority.
Mr. Kenny
The locks and weirs to which reference is made by the Deputy are controlled by the Office of Public Works. Normally sluices are adjusted by those in charge to suit local conditions, in accordance with standing instructions without reference to higher authority.
Can the ESB make decisions regarding the level of water without referring to the Office of Public Works?
Mr. Kenny
The ESB can make decisions regarding their own sluices.
But they cannot affect the levels in so far as navigation is concerned?
Mr. Kenny
No.