Mr. Tony Smyth:

Regarding Lough Ree, the ESB has agreed to try to for a water level that is 100 mm lower than its target would otherwise have been. However, this is contingent upon rainfall and inputs from the upper part of the River Shannon and the tributaries north of the lake. The ESB does not have complete control of water levels. It can open a number of gates to reduce water levels somewhat, but more enters the lake at certain times than can be released through the gates or over the weir, leading to a rise in water levels that overwhelms the ESB's efforts.