Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
149. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of works on the removal of the pinch points in the Shannon Callows between Athlone and Meelick Weir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49516/23]
View answerThe Shannon Callows is a natural floodplain, which floods in winter. Summer flooding in the Shannon Callows region is also a real concern when there is heavy summer rainfall.
Possible approaches to provide a long term solution to summer flooding in the Shannon Callows are being developed by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group (the Group). The Shannon Callows includes two sites designated under European Environmental legislation, the River Shannon Callows SAC and the Middle Shannon Callows SPA.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM) included a Shannon CFRAM Study which identified possible benefits of removing constrictions or ‘pinch points’ on the bed of the channel between Athlone and Meelick Weir, subject to more detailed analysis.
The Group's 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 11th October, 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. A tender will issue shortly for an Ecological Consultant to carry out a high level environmental study. The study will consider the possible impacts of: the excavation of material at key locations in the River Shannon channel; the longer term maintenance of the riverbed (sediment and vegetation management) and changes in water levels.
