Flood Relief.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 February 2010

Tuesday, 16 February 2010

Ceisteanna (155)

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

211 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance the person or organisation responsible for the maintenance of the banks on the River Shannon at Meelick and towards Tiernascragh and Portumma, County Galway; the minimum legal height of those banks which protects the adjoining lands from flooding from the River Shannon; the amount of maintenance work carried out on those banks over the past ten years; if he is satisfied that the banks are in good condition for the purpose for which they are intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7994/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

The Office of Public Works has no statutory responsibility for the maintenance of the River Shannon. However, the OPW has responsibility for a number of arterial drainage schemes in the Shannon catchment area, including the Brosna, Inny and Boyle.

There are extensive areas of land on the west bank of the Shannon which are protected by embankments. The embankments in question were constructed as part of the Shannon Scheme. The ESB have responsibility for the maintenance and management of these works. The OPW does not have information on the design standards, maintenance or condition of these works.