Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Oct 1990

Vol. 402 No. 1

Written Answers. - Shannon Forum Committee Recommendations.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

116 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the recommendations he has so far received from the Shannon Forum Committee; if action has been taken on any of these recommendations; and if he will indicate any further works to be done on the River Shannon and/or its tributaries.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

The following recommendations have been received from the Shannon Forum and are being examined in detail by the Commissioners of Public Works in the context of their statutory responsibilities relating to the River Shannon, viz: (a) optimum management of water levels to minimise flooding; (b) study of flood storage-control potential of Loughts Allen and Ree; and (c) effects of siltation in the Meelick-Banagher stretch.

In addition, with regard to the question of flooding, the forum urged further investigation of the summer relief scheme and the carrying out of drainage work to the main channel. However, the Government decided some time ago to defer any further consideration of these matters. Other recommendations related to the EC Structural Funds and effluent discharges.

Among the works being carried out this year by the commissioners on the navigation system are the strengthening of Meelick Weir, the construction of a new jetty at Roosky and the construction of a new jetty at Portrunny, Lough Ree. Others will be undertaken in the coming years as resources permit as part of the commissioners' ongoing programme for the development of the navigation.