Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)

Flooding has caused significant damage to the properties of and given rise to costs for and anxiety among residents in my constituency of Galway East. I recently met representatives of the Save our Shannon Organisation who represent more than 600 farming families whose livelihoods are severely impacted by summer and winter flooding in the Shannon Callows. Flooding is also causing the destruction of the bird population, biodiversity and wildlife in this area. Over many decades, various Governments have promised to tackle the issue of flooding in the Shannon Callows, but, to date, no action has been taken. The group has four key demands. I know the Minister of State is aware of these, having engaged with the group previously. They are: the reduction of water levels in Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg by 1 m; the establishment of one agency to manage the River Shannon; the removal of the pinch points in the Shannon River between Athlone and Portumna; and an ongoing river maintenance programme. The Minister of State will be aware that Sinn Féin has introduced the River Shannon Management Agency Bill, the purpose of which is to create a single authority. I urge him to allow the progression of that Bill and to act on the proposals outlined by the group to alleviate the flooding. It is absolutely critical for these communities and for their livelihoods.

I also wish to commend on the slow pace of progress on the south Galway flood relief scheme. It has been more than eight years since engineering consultants were first appointed to this project. Yet, family homes, farms and businesses still remain at risk of flooding and there has not been any work carried out yet on that scheme. The failure to deliver this flood relief scheme endangers local infrastructure. Weather events can cause roads, such as the M18 motorway and other local roads, to become impassable as well as the Galway to Limerick railway track which has had to close previously due to flooding.

As Ireland's weather patterns become more intense and volatile, we need the Government to progress flood relief schemes. People's lives, livelihoods and businesses are at risk. The time for action is now. I call on the Minister of State to engage with the local advocacy groups and to listen to and act on their concerns.

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