Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for speaking to us. My questions are directed specifically to the OPW and relate to flooding. The representatives of the OPW mentioned turloughs, about which I have one question. I am quite aware of the issue relating to turloughs because the national flood conference, which was very informative, was held recently in Ballinasloe. I come from County Roscommon, where we face particular challenges regarding the management of turloughs. I understand that the Geological Survey of Ireland is conducting surveys and has completed some work in this area. I would like to find out the current status of that. Furthermore, do the witnesses have any specific example of an area where management of turloughs has proved positive? I know the data collection is very much in its infancy - and it seems as if turloughs need to be dealt with on an individual basis - but can the witnesses tell me of any area, whether in Ireland or elsewhere, where management of a turlough has resulted in a positive outcome? Other Deputies referred to the devastation caused. What has happened has been hugely devastating for communities right across Roscommon, from Lough Funshinagh to Castleplunket to Boyle. It is particularly difficult that it has been ongoing for quite a number of months. That is what residents in these areas have been facing in recent months. I know the witnesses are very familiar with that part of the country.

In the context of the co-ordination working group, will the witnesses provide a little more information about their meeting on 18 October regarding trialing of the lowering of the levels in Lough Allen and a little more detail on their plan to evaluate the benefits of any short and medium-term programme of localised dredging? As I said, the national flood conference was held in Ballinasloe. The latter has been one of the better success stories of flood management. A flood relief wall was built in the Derrymullan area at a cost of €1.4 million and proved very positive during the flooding last year. It is very important that we progress such flood mitigation measures as quickly as we can. Ballinasloe is a very strong example of an area where they have been successful. I would also like to point out that the minor works scheme has been important but it needs to be more extensive and we need to see works progress as quickly as possible because we are very near a potential period of more heavy rainfall.

My questions concern the co-ordination group and the actions arising from the meeting about the Shannon and turloughs.