Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct. The report was presented to the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, last July or August and, as far as I know, it is being considered. We are waiting for recommendations to emerge from the report. This is a very complex matter involving the flooding of the River Shannon. Before I ever came to this House I heard about the draining of the Shannon, which has been going on for a long time. There are many interested parties - the ESB, the OPW, local authorities, Bord na Móna and, under my Department, Waterways Ireland and the NPWS. All have different interests. The report was submitted in July and is being considered. This is something on which we cannot rush to judgment. Whatever we do, we must ensure it is the right action in the matters mentioned by the Deputy, whether these concern wildlife or anything else. We must make the right decision. This was going on before I ever came to the House but I am confident it will be addressed in a meaningful way before I leave it. I am not sure when that will be; only one man knows that.

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