James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, to discuss this important issue, the urgent need to establish a River Shannon authority as a management structure for the river. In recent weeks Members have seen the devastating effects of flooding and storm damage on householders, farmers and business owners, as well as on people's livelihoods, in many parts of the country, particularly the midlands and the River Shannon catchment area of Longford-Westmeath. Many people in the River Shannon region suffered severe hardship as result of recent flooding which was a recurrence of the November 2009 floods. I sympathise with those affected. In 2010 the then Oireachtas joint committee, after consultation with the various agencies involved, prepared and presented a report on the severe weather events to a number of agencies, including the Office of Public Works, OPW, the Minister's Department and the local authorities. It was felt by the majority at the time that, if implemented, it would ensure future severe weather events would be managed at least partially. During the years most flooding events on the River Shannon have been followed by a report which, in turn, has been followed by little or no action. I had reservations about the last report, as a River Shannon authority was once again sidelined by the Government of the day. Having raised the matter of the establishment of a River Shannon authority several times in both the Seanad and the Dáil during the years, I was disgusted at the response from the then Minister which contained the same old standard speak regarding the co-ordination of flood risk management with the OPW as lead agency and embarking on the development of a catchment flood risk assessment and management plan for the River Shannon. I have heard it all before.

Were my proposal for a River Shannon authority to be put in place by statute, it would have overall control of river management and development in the River Shannon catchment area from the source of the river to the Shannon Estuary. Such an authority would have control of putting in place a flood alert system as part of a national system to increase awareness of potential river flooding. It could alleviate flooding in the Shannon basin in both urban and rural areas by the co-ordination of water levels on the entire river right through the year. It would be the tool with which the 40-plus State agencies and voluntary bodies would work to co-ordinate their activities. The onus is on the Government to act, to put in place this River Shannon authority and bring forward real and substantive plans to manage the River Shannon and prevent serious flooding in the Shannon region like that experienced in Athlone, County Westmeath and Clondra, Lanesborough and Clonmacart, County Longford.

There is a genuine fear, should the proposed abstraction of water from the River Shannon by Irish Water go ahead, that it would have a detrimental effect on tourism in the midlands, as well as on the water supply for group schemes in Longford, Westmeath and other counties. I do not wish to see the River Inny as a casualty, as it supplies water to one third of counties Longford and Westmeath. It is important, before any project commences or water is drawn, that water levels be agreed to by such an authority now that the local authorities will not have authority in this regard. It is important, from the point of view of the public in the midlands, that the drawing of water be measured to the lake or reservoir and a charge be levied on Dublin for every 100,000 Iitres of water drawn. Such moneys could be used for projects outside Government resources for the benefit of the midlands. The existence of a River Shannon authority would mean the drawing of water could be monitored and administered from the midlands only. There is no structure to ensure the co-ordination of the activities of the bodies involved. A River Shannon authority would provide such a structure.

I am not leaving this proposal here and intend to pursue it again, as its delivery is essential. This is the umpteenth time householders, farmers and business owners in the counties adjoining the River Shannon have faced immeasurable hardship owing to flooding. I reiterate my belief that were this proposal to be taken on board and implemented, it would minimise flooding and allow the natural function of the river basin to develop. This is an issue about which I feel strongly and this authority has long been promised. Its delivery is now essential.

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