Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2018
121. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has included in the flood defence proposal the major pinch point at Plassey along the River Shannon; if not, the reason therefor; his views on whether this will mean that the Springfield flooding will deteriorate by increasing the flow of the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7839/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra122. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the OPW last met with the Shannon co-ordination group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7840/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established in early 2016 by the Government across all of the State Agencies involved with the River Shannon. The Group is building on the existing work and commitment of all the State Agencies involved in flood risk and continues to enhance the ongoing co-ordination and co-operation between members.
The most recent meeting of the Group was on 23 October 2017, at which the Group decided to progress the development of a proposal for the removal of a series of pinchpoints or constrictions in the navigation channel between Meelick Weir and Athlone, in the Callows area. Constrictions on other stretches of the Shannon, such as that near Plassey are not included in this particular proposal. However, the Group has discussed and is currently considering issues in relation to the Lower Shannon.
The Callows proposal is currently being developed by OPW and Waterways Ireland and requires a hydraulic analysis, environmental assessment under the appropriate legislation and will be subject to planning. The required planning process would be a matter for Waterways Ireland. As part of the development of this proposal, the potential impact on flows will be assessed to ensure that any works do not have a negative impact further downstream. The proposal is due to be discussed further at the next meeting of the Group in late March.
