James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the threat to the midland counties and other areas bordering the River Shannon, as a result of unprecedented levels of water. Up to 80 millimetres above previous records have been recorded in Lough Ree and many counties experiencing serious flooding, and the position in Athlone in my constituency of Longford-Westmeath is a cause of particular concern. This is due to the failure of the Government to honour the promise of some of its Members to establish a River Shannon authority to take overall control of river management and development in the Shannon navigation area, with its prime function being flood protection and alleviation and land drainage. Shame on the Government. It promised this in 1991, again in 1995 and in 2004, yet it has failed to act. As a result, hundreds of homes in my constituency are flooded.

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