Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
358. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on Waterways Ireland’s plans and ongoing work to prepare for floods along the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41562/23]
View answerThe Shannon Flood Relief State Agencies Co-ordination Working Group which is chaired by the Office of Public Works (OPW), is the lead agency for the coordination and implementation of Government policy in relation to the management of flood risk in Ireland. This Group has the lead role in developing policy on national flood risk management and the lead role in co-ordinating the actions and activities of Government Departments, the local authorities and other key stakeholders in this area including Waterways Ireland who are members of the Working Group.
Waterways Ireland is a North South Body responsible for the management and maintenance of more than 1000km of Ireland's inland waterways. They include the Shannon, Shannon Erne Waterway, Erne System, the Barrow, the Royal and Grand Canals and the Lower Bann Navigation. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The information requested by the Deputy, in respect Waterways Ireland’s plans and ongoing work to the River Shannon navigation is not held in my Department, however arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is: ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org
