Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 145: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the plans the Office of Public Works have to carry out maintenance work on the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2305/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Commissioners of Public Works have no statutory responsibility for maintenance of the River Shannon. However, in light of the severe flooding last year and following consultations with interested parties, the Office of Public Works agreed to undertake flood relief works at Shannon Harbour, the stretch of the river known as the New Cut near Banagher and at Clonlara.

The works at Shannon Harbour, comprising the clearance of drains was completed last year. Work to remove extensive encroachment of tree growth into the New Cut was also completed last year.

Proposed removal of silt from the Shannon Cut requires consent from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). An application by OPW for consent to the proposed works is being processed at present. If consent is received, work will commence as early as possible subject to any relevant environmental and safety constraints.

A scheme to reduce flood risk at Clonlara has been identified. The works involved here also require consent from the NPWS and an application for consent is currently under consideration.

The Office of Public Works intends to undertake a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study of the River Shannon as part of a national programme of such studies and work on this study is expected to commence within the next year.