asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the serious loss and hardship imposed on the people, who live on lands adjacent to the Shannon, north and south of Athlone, because of the frequent flooding of their homes and holdings, he will take immediate steps to implement the recommendation of the Drainage Commission to deepen and widen the river between Athlone and Meelick.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Athlone Flooding: Arterial Drainage.
The Government is aware of the serious flooding caused by the River Shannon referred to by the Deputy in his question.
As the Deputy is aware, the Drainage Commission pointed out that the works recommended by them were intended to reduce the incidence of floods in the summer and harvest months and that in seasons of excessive rainfall flooding must be expected. The commission also stated that any attempt to confine the River Shannon to its summer bed by deepening and widening the channel between Athlone and Meelick may be ruled out as quite impossible.
As the Minister for Agriculture indicated in reply to a question on 17th November last, the Commissioners of Public Works have been instructed to examine the possibility of removing obstructions from the bed of the River Shannon between Athlone and Meelick. While their examination of the flooding problem has not been completed, there is sufficient information available to make it clear that the execution of works of this nature would have no material effect on the levels of a flood of the present magnitude.
The Government is keeping the problem under continuous review.