Mr. Laurence Fallon:

Thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for the opportunity to come here to make our points about a problem we have that has devastated our community. I thank especially Senator Murphy, who helped the committee to convene the meeting. We appreciate that work. I also thank Deputies Naughten and Fitzmaurice and Senator Dolan as well as Senator Murphy, who are here today, for their work and their ongoing support in this challenge, which has been with us for seven years. It is our hope that today's meeting will show the magnitude of the problem. Following full discussion, I hope more clarity can be brought as to how we can resolve the crisis we face.

Lough Funshinagh has five streams coming into it. It is classified as a turlough, which could be questioned at this stage. All the water drains out through underground cavities, so there is no overland drain out of Lough Funshinagh.

I will hand the committee over to Ms Murray, who will give Members a brief history of the problems of Lough Funshinagh over recent years, followed by Mr. Kearney.