Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2017
141. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the works completed to date on addressing the flooding of the River Shannon; the schedule of works that are planned; and the timeframe for completion of same. [53211/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2016, the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established by Government to enhance on-going co-operation across all of the State agencies involved with the River Shannon, including ESB, Waterways Ireland, Bord na Móna, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, OPW and the relevant local authorities, including to trial the lowering of the levels on Lough Allen by 0.7 metres, which is the lowest level achievable without causing significant risk to existing waterway infrastructure and possible environmental issues. This protocol is being operated again this Winter.
Earlier this year targeted maintenance works were carried out at Madden’s Island, downstream of Banagher, where many trees, which had been impeding conveyance capacity and navigation of the Shannon, were removed. Further works are to be carried out at Madden’s Island in early 2018 when the next environmental window for works will allow.
As I recently announced the OPW and Waterways Ireland are actively examining the potential for lowering the navigational channel at 18 pinch points between Meelick and Athlone. This programme of work will take up to 5 years to complete with an estimated cost of 6 million euros.
Major and minor flood defence works projects funded by the OPW in the Shannon catchment are ongoing, as follows:
Major Schemes
- Ennis South - Expected to commence construction in early 2018.
- Foynes Tidal defences - Construction completed.
- King's Island (1st phase of Limerick City Main Scheme) - submission to An Bord Pleanála on overall scheme early 2018.
- King's Island (Verdant Place advance contract) - Construction complete.
- Athlone - Works have now commenced.
Minor Works
- Mountcampbell, Jamestown/Drumsna: Removal of trees and debris completed.
- Portavulla Estate, Banagher: Building of embankments completed.
