Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
28. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW has engaged with Waterways Ireland or the ESB with respect to mitigation measures to address flooding on the Shannon Callows; the input by his Department into advancing the River Shannon Management Agency Bill 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52514/23]
View answerHas the Minister of State engaged with Waterways Ireland or the ESB with respect to mitigation measures to address flooding issues on the River Shannon? What input has his Department had into advancing the River Shannon Management Agency Bill 2020?
The progression of measures to mitigate flood risk in the Shannon River basin is a key priority for the Government. Currently, there are 13 completed flood relief schemes schemes in the Shannon River basin and these schemes are already providing protection to more than 2,600 properties. A further 36 schemes will be delivered as part of the Government’s €1.3 billion investment in flood relief measures over the lifetime of the NDP. Some 24 of these schemes are currently being progressed, including in 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 basin. On a day-to-day basis, water levels on the Shannon River are managed in accordance with agreed protocols between Waterways Ireland and the ESB. Waterways Ireland manages water levels for navigation purposes while the ESB manages water levels for the purposes of electricity generation. The ESB manages those levels on three lakes, Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg, and Waterways Ireland manages water levels at the intermediate water control infrastructure between the lakes. Waterways Ireland and the ESB monitor weather forecasts and uses water level reading instrumentation to make informed decisions around sluice opening and closing procedures while remaining within the agreed protocols.
While these operations influence the water levels on the Shannon, the levels cannot be fully controlled, especially when the Shannon Callows are in flood. The Shannon flood risk State agency co-ordination group last met on 11 October 2023 and discussed a range of issues relating to work under way to assist with flood risk management along the River Shannon. This includes a project for the removal of the pinch points through the Callows region between Athlone and Meelick weir. The Shannon Callows includes two sites designated under European legislation, the River Shannon Callows special area of conservation, SAC, and the Middle Shannon Callows special protection area, SPA. Ireland, like all EU member states, is bound by the requirements of the EU habitats and birds directives and no work can commence in the absence of all appropriate consents being granted. A steering group is in place to oversee the pinch points 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 long-term maintenance of the riverbed; and changes in water levels.
I thank the Minister of State for his response. He will be aware that there are ongoing issues in the Shannon Callows. He mentioned that no work can take place because of the habitats directive. What is the response? Are the MEPs from Government parties trying to raise this issue in Brussels to try to get it resolved? We cannot have a situation where farmers and landowners see the same thing happen year in, year out, not only in winter, but also in summer. I would like to know what progress has been made. What is happening with the advancement of the Bill? The River Shannon Agency Management Bill has been on the priority legislation list since 2021, so it has been on the list for 2021, 2022 and 2023. What does priority really mean if we have not seen this Bill advanced? I would like an update on that please because it is farcical. People are frustrated at the constant delays, especially with this Bill. Surely, it could be advanced quickly. We have seen legislation go through the House at speed sometimes, which is bad. Where is the Bill?
The preparation of legislation to improve the management of flood risk on the River Shannon is a priority. The management of flood risk on the river is closely intertwined with other uses of the river such as, as I already mentioned, navigation and dam safety managed by Waterways Ireland and the ESB, neither of which fall under the remit of the Office of Public Works. The OPW has conducted an analysis of existing legislation regarding the management of the River Shannon, including a review of the powers of various bodies involved with the river. The outcome of the analysis has informed a proposed approach, which is currently under consideration and I hope to bring a final proposal to the Government shortly.
With respect, shortly is not good enough. When will the proposal be brought to the Government? People need certainty. The Save Our Shannon Organisation has consistently highlighted this matter on behalf of farmers and landowners. There is a lot of frustration. Shortly does not cut it. We need a timeframe. It is not good enough. I need to give certainty to my constituents. The situation needs urgent action.
What are Government party MEPs doing about raising the matter in Brussels to try to get past the habitats directive or try to instill some common sense into it so we can stop people's land being flooded?
The catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme has been ongoing for the best part of a decade. There have been calls for reviews of its strategies. Will the Minister of State comment on that? I need certainty for my constituents. I would like a timeframe and to know whether he has been in contact with the MEPs form his party to try to have this raised in Brussels to get some common sense brought to the matter.
I should point out while the Deputy is entitled to raise the question, the Minister is not responsible to the House for questions raised in the European Parliament.
I understand that, but I am asking about his input. There are MEPs from the Government parties and we need a co-ordinated effort.
I appreciate the goodwill of what the Deputy is saying.
There are MEPs from all parties and none.
Sorry.
Their email addresses are freely available.
I specifically asked about the Minister of State's party.
Will the Deputy let me answer? If the Deputy wants to find out what MEPs are doing, as the Ceann Comhairle suggested, she is as capable as I am of sending them an email.
That is not good enough
The question that was asked does not mention MEPs from Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil or any other party.
I asked a specific question.
I am trying to answer the question the Deputy asked. With regard to the question the Deputy asked about the legislation, this is a complicated issue. One of the bodies, Waterways Ireland, which has responsibility for navigation, is a cross-Border body set up under the Good Friday Agreement. Its powers derive from the OPW, which previously had responsibility for the Shannon River.
I know all about the project.
In addition, there is electricity generation and there are huge implications for Parteen Weir and further flooding that could be caused at the lower end of the Shannon. It is not something we can simplistically solve. I have devoted a lot of time to it, as have my officials, and I hope to be in a position to bring a proposal to the Government on it early in the new year.
I apologise for intervening in that.
