Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Under the Taoiseach's initiative, he wants the strands pulled together and actions proposed. That he intends to pursue those actions is welcome. A part of the committee's job will be to ensure that such actions are taken.

Mr. Silke mentioned that small, key issues needed to be acted upon. For the benefit of the committee's deliberations, will he place those areas on record?

One of the problems with speaking last is that most comments have already been made. I do not want to rehearse some points, but Bord na Móna has tabled a proposal. That company has a significant responsibility in this regard, given what it has got away with. Actually, I should say "what it has done", as getting away with it is no good to anyone. It has damaged the River Shannon and other rivers in the area. I have first-hand experience of that damage in Templetuohy. After the mines moved into the area, we saw the depth of the problem in the rivers, which Bord na Móna had flooded and blocked. The company is indecisive and is unwilling to clean those rivers or relieve flooding in the area.

The company proposes to extract water from the River Shannon close to the bridge of Portumna in Carrigahorig. I mentioned this, as Mr. Silke stated that summer flooding rather than winter flooding was his prime concern. However, all of the stakeholders in the area - tourism, boating, etc. - are against the proposal. Where does he stand on this proposal? Would it be of benefit to the callows, particularly during the summer?

What is necessary among the stakeholders, particularly the ESB, OPW, Bord na Móna and National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, is a bit of common sense and common purpose, none of which is apparent. Given our experience of flooding, no one has the common sense to plan ahead and relieve water levels before a deluge of rain by setting aside water storage areas. The storage areas of the bodies I mentioned are always full before a flood. The heavy rains exacerbate the situation.

I acknowledge that this critical problem is a large one. The committee will not be found wanting in driving the issue to preserve farming in the areas in question, particularly during the summer, even if it only leads to the short-term action mentioned in this discussion.