Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
227. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of his consideration of the River Shannon Management Agency Bill 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20118/23]
View answer228. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when the €7 million allocated in December 2019 to alleviate constrictions to the flow of water in the Shannon Callows between Athlone and Meelick will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20119/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.
The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group’s (the Group) work is informed by the Flood Risk Management Plans for the Shannon River Basin District (RBD). Currently, there are 13 completed schemes in the Shannon RBD and these schemes are already providing protection to over 2,600 properties. A further 36 flood relief schemes will be delivered or underway as part of the Government’s €1.3bn investment in flood relief measures over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030. 24 of these schemes are currently being progressed including Athlone and Springfield which are currently at construction stage. When completed, all schemes will protect 95% of properties identified as being at significant risk from flooding in the Shannon RBD.
The Group met on 26th April 2023 and discussed a range of issues relating to work underway to assist with flood risk management along the River Shannon, including the project for the removal of the ‘pinch points’ through the Callows region between Athlone and Meelick weir. The Government has noted the decision of the Group to invest €4m in this project and a further €3m in strategic maintenance along the River Shannon.
A Steering Group is in place to oversee the project for the Callows region. A brief is currently being finalised for the appointment of a consultant to carry out the initial analysis and design work. The project will be subject to Planning consent which will require Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment under the Birds and Habitats Directives. Further consents may be required under other legislation. No work can commence in the absence of all appropriate consents being granted.
The Deputy will recall that I committed to carrying out an analysis of the legislation regarding the management of the River Shannon. On the recommendation of the Attorney General, the OPW engaged counsel to examine the legislation relating to the River Shannon and, in particular, to review the powers of the various bodies involved with the river. This analysis has informed a proposed approach and the OPW is in the process of engaging with relevant stakeholders on this matter.
