Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2011
247 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the responsibility the ESB has for the upkeep and maintenance of the lower Shannon in the region of Springfield, Clonlara, County Clare which has experienced serious flooding in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32214/11]
View answerThe legislation under which ESB was established describes the duty of the board to "control, manage and maintain in good repair and condition and proper and efficient working order the Shannon works". The Shannon works, as described in statute, comprise the various constructions associated with the Shannon scheme, including Ardnacrusha power station, Parteen Weir, headrace and tailrace canals and embankments constructed as part of the scheme. The Shannon works do not include the regions of the lower Shannon referred to in the Deputy's question. ESB has no responsibility with regard to the upkeep and maintenance of the river in these areas.
