Seanad debates

Friday, 15 December 2006

11:00 am

Brendan Daly (Fianna Fail)

Several years ago, I introduced a Private Members' Bill to establish a Shannon river council, the purpose of which would be to bring together the various organisations with responsibility in this complex area. The Commissioners of Public Works, fisheries, Bord na Móna and a range of environmental bodies have an interest in this issue. An overview needs to be taken quickly to enable action to be taken to alleviate flooding, in so far as that is possible, and ensure flooding does not occur elsewhere. Clonlara in County Clare has been subject to severe flooding and many houses in the villages were flooded. Residents claim the reason was that the ESB allowed additional water through the gates of Ardnacrusha to relieve a problem in Lough Derg. The problem of flooding will not be easily resolved. The legislation I introduced needs to be progressed.

The late Seán Doherty made many efforts to bring together the various interests involved. He held a series of meetings along the River Shannon catchment area which gave him a good insight into the type of measures required. The various bodies came together yesterday — a little late in the day — to try to respond to flooding. A council of representatives of the various interests should be established to take urgent action, carry out research and undertake an assessment of what measures are necessary to alleviate the problem of flooding which will regularly recur unless action is taken.

I concur with Senator Hanafin on the problems encountered in exporting beef, particularly to the Russian market. This trade is worth €100 million per annum to farmers. It is critical that a resolution to the problem is found as quickly as possible.

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