Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
393. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will commit to the removal of the ten pinch points on the river Shannon between Athlone and Meelick. [1430/25]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established by the Government in 2016 to enhance the ongoing co-operation of all State Agencies involved with the River Shannon and to introduce co-ordinated solutions that may have benefits in managing flood risk in the Shannon Catchment. The Group is focussed on prioritising actions and activities that can help to manage flood risk along the River Shannon.
A possible approach to provide a long term solution to summer flooding in the Shannon Callows is being developed by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group. During the summer period, the water level upstream of Meelick Weir is maintained at an appropriate level for navigation. This is controlled by the weir boards at Meelick Weir. The intent of the project is to deepen the stretch of the Shannon at particular pinch-points, which would negate the requirement for weir-boards to be used in Meelick Weir i.e. the water level could be lowered during the summer period.
A Steering Group is in place to progress the project for the removal of the ‘pinch points’. The Shannon Callows includes two sites designated under European Environmental legislation, the River Shannon Callows SAC and the Middle Shannon Callows SPA.
The project will need to comply with European law regarding ecological assessments. The National Parks & Wildlife Service have been involved in the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group since its establishment, and will continue to provide advice where appropriate.
An Ecological Consultant was appointed on 5 June 2024 to carry out a high level environmental study to consider the potential positive and negative ecological impacts of the proposed works on the River Shannon between Athlone and Meelick. A report has now been completed by the consultant and submitted to OPW for review. It is anticipated that the report will be finalised in the near future and this will inform next steps.
