Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

The summer flooding of the Shannon Callows between Portumna and Athlone will be specifically examined in this study to reflect the social and environmental damage it causes in the catchment. In general, this summer flooding arises from the restricted capacity of the River Shannon at this location. Flooding can occur as a result of large flows from the River Suck, the Upper Shannon from Lough Ree, or a combination of both. The River Brosna can also contribute to flooding in this area. I am pleased to note that minor works were carried out on the Little Brosna last summer, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service has now approved further minor works at Shannon Harbour, which will be carried out when water levels and environmental windows permit.

The OPW has examined flood profiles for various flood events, large and small, to identify localised constrictions to flood flow between Banagher and Meelick. Arising from this investigation, minor maintenance involving the removal of low-lying branches and some trees on the New Cut and a number of small islands downstream of Banagher has been proposed. A license application has been submitted to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the OPW is currently awaiting a decision on the matter. The proposed maintenance would be directed towards the mitigation of smaller floods.

The Shannon Callows is an important asset to the farming community and traditional farming practices are recognised as contributing to the economic, social and environmental management of this unique area. There is no doubt that the recent pattern of flooding in the Callows has caused significant hardship to many members of the community. I visited the Callows area in 2008, and in 2009 I accompanied the president of the IFA, local residents and public representatives to see the situation for myself and talk through the issues. I am conscious of the serious impact on both farming and the environment in the area due to the annual winter flooding and periodic summer flooding.

I have instructed my officials to identify any interim measures to be pursued in advance of the Shannon CFRAM study. A combination of further minor works and refined management of water levels will continue to assist in mitigating flood impacts. The impacts in 2010 were significantly less than those experienced in the previous two years.

In parallel with the commissioning of the CFRAM study for the River Shannon, the OPW is holding ongoing discussions with Waterways Ireland and the ESB to review water management protocols for the major storage areas in the Shannon system. Control of outflows from the Callows area is managed by the ESB and Waterways Ireland. The OPW has engaged with Waterways Ireland and the ESB to examine the most effective management of the sluices at Meelick and Lough Ree. Waterways Ireland has indicated that it will examine an upgrade to Meelick Weir with a view to automating the control of water levels at the weir.

In September 2010, the ESB carried out discharges from Lough Ree with a view to providing storage in the lake against winter floods. This allowed for some reduction of the level of Lough Ree prior to the winter rains. The ESB has also engaged with each local authority in the Shannon catchment, issuing twice-weekly e-mail updates on the status of the Shannon lakes and alerts about major spills at Parteen Weir. This data is based on three- to five-day rainfall forecasts and allows for several days' warning of potential flooding. In addition, a number of information sessions have been held for local authority officials, and further sessions will be held for council members.

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