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Flood Prevention Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Ceisteanna (225)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

225. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action taken in the past seven days to reduce the current water levels on the River Shannon at Clonown South, Athlone, County Westmeath; if none, the action which will be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16751/20]

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Freagraí scríofa

The ESB manages the weirs, sluices and other works that are part of the Shannon Scheme, and the water levels on Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg. The levels in between the lakes are managed by Waterways Ireland for navigation purposes.

The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established in January, 2016 by the Government to enhance the ongoing co-operation across all of the State Agencies involved with the River Shannon. The ESB and Waterways Ireland are members of this Working Group and there is daily communication between both organisations to ensure a co-ordinated approach to managing water levels on the River Shannon.

As part of its role in providing Secretariat services to the Working Group, the OPW has co-ordinated the following information which was provided by the ESB and Waterways Ireland which reflects actions taken between 8th July, 2020 and 16th July, 2020.

‘ESB is continuously monitoring the water levels throughout the Shannon and continues to operate in accordance with its regulations and guidelines for control of the River Shannon.

Heavy Rainfall has been experienced throughout the catchment over the past number of weeks following a sustained dry period. This has resulted in increasing water levels in the River Shannon and its tributaries.

Rainfall during the week commencing 6th July, 2020 caused the tributaries in the vicinity of Lough Ree and the Athlone area to rise sharply. The River Suck, the largest tributary, which flows into the River Shannon downstream of Athlone also has an influence on water levels in the main River Shannon channel in the Athlone area and this rose significantly during the week commencing 6th July.

In order to mitigate flooding of the Shannon Callows, the ESB has progressively closed sluices at Athlone, in accordance with its regulations and guidelines, with the last 3 remaining open sluices being closed on Thursday, 9th July 2020.’

Waterways Ireland has informed OPW that the weir boards at Meelick, required during periods of low flows, were removed on Wednesday, 8th July, 2020.

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