Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response and indeed his commitment to help to resolve this matter, which has been ongoing for some time. I recognise and acknowledge that. I recognise that it is complex and that much is involved. The ecological consultant is carrying out a high-level environmental study. I am wondering about the tender. I know the Minister of State said he is bringing forward the Bill, which is great. Regarding this particular question, has the legal tender been issued? Where is that at the moment? As I understand it, the study will consider the possible impacts of the excavation of material at key locations in the River Shannon channel, and the longer-term maintenance of the riverbed and changes in water levels. I believe this will be a positive step forward. The farming organisations and indeed the people who live along the Shannon Callows have been raising the matter for some time now. It is important that we all work collaboratively, that we get solutions and that we can do some work on it at the pinch points, to try to alleviate the devastation of the flooding.

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