Mr. Tony Smyth:

A range of policy issues affect management powers on the Shannon. Many agencies and local authorities that have a remit over planning, tourism, boating and so forth are involved. When we identify a scheme of works, we generally put the plans on public exhibition, giving others an opportunity to comment. We have powers to implement a scheme. Once it is shown to be technically sound, passes its cost benefit analysis and meets environmental criteria, we recommend it for construction.

The catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, process examines flood risk on a river catchment basis and identifies a number of measures, some of which may be constructed flood defences or structural measures and some of which may be non-structural measures.

It will identify a lead body to bring each of those measures forward. If members take a look at leecframs.ie they will see what a catchment flood management plan might look like. It includes a range of measures for particular areas, including works that might be done and who might undertake them. In some cases, a scheme will be led by the OPW and in others it will be led by a local authority. That is the process from plan to outline design stage.

Silt remains an issue. Without a scheme that is cost beneficial and can make all of the pieces stack up, it is difficult to invoke powers to do these things. We have not engaged with Bord na Móna in regard to transporting the silt on the network.