Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 22 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Shannon Water Regime.

John Connor

Ceist:

5 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether (a) all evidence now indicates an adverse change in the flood and flow behaviour on the River Shannon, particularly in the stretch between Athlone and Meelick, (b) these changes are directly related to man-made and naturally induced restrictions in the main river channel and (c) these obstructions can be readily removed with favourable effect on the efficiency of the flow with no unfavourable effect to water levels downstream; and if he will request the Office of Public Works to carry out the necessary dredging and cleaning works.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. V. Brady)

From the information contained in flow records over the last 60 years, there is no significant change in the water regime of the River Shannon and there are no manmade or naturally induced restrictions which seriously affect the position. The removal of local obstructions, a costly exercise in itself, would be of little benefit or would have no perceptible effect Flooding occurs because the channel is incapable of conveying adequately the large volumes of water involved. The problem can be rectified only by carrying out large-scale civil engineering works which would involve substantial deepening and widening at very substantial cost. There are no plans at present to carry out such a scheme of works.