Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

In light of these concerns, and the potential risk to excellent schemes such as the mid-Shannon tourism investment scheme, there is a need to reconsider the establishment of a Shannon river council, an idea first proposed in the House as far back as 1998. Such a co-ordinating body would be essential to safeguard the future of the River Shannon and surrounding areas in the face of numerous threats including water abstraction and climate change. Everything possible must be done to protect a natural resource of such value to the people and to unlock the sustainable tourism potential of the area.

While the Minister of State is aware of the benefits that would accrue to the mid-Shannon area, there is also a strong case to extend this to rest of the Shannon river area to Carrick-on-Shannon. While Carrick-on-Shannon benefitted from other tax incentive schemes, the area should be considered for inclusion in the infrastructure scheme in the forthcoming budget.