John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

This was the subject of discussion recently on "Primetime" and, as the Deputy observed, it was also raised at the Oireachtas committee. The Deputy is correct that there are several agencies with responsibility in this area, including the Office of Public Works, ESB, local authorities and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which has a role in respect of special areas of conservation and special protection areas. However, primary responsibility is with the OPW. It would require a substantial legislative undertaking to create a new agency to take over the functions of all those agencies. What is undoubtedly required is greater co-ordination and greater clarity in terms of which agency is responsible for what. In the case of flood risk management and dredging, the appropriate authority is the OPW, which is doing a good job of devising initiatives to address the flood risk difficulties in the River Shannon area.

It is interesting to note previous legislative proposals on this matter in the House. As I understand it, and my colleagues in the Labour Party will correct me if it is not so, Deputy Penrose introduced a Private Members' Bill in 2000 proposing the establishment of a Shannon river authority. This followed a Shannon river council Bill in 1998 which was defeated on Fifth Stage on the grounds that the Government, while not opposed to the aims of the Bill, was of the view that its intent would be more effectively met either by initiatives already in place or those proposed by the European Union. The latter was a reference to the EU framework directive on water policy and that is where our focus must be. As I said, we are looking at the directive and plans have been put in place. The plans for the Shannon river basis district are vital to achieving our aims. I have said repeatedly that if we can get this issue right and ensure the river basin management plans are in place, particularly for the River Shannon, we will have dealt with many of the difficulties.

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