Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the extensive flooding in the Shannon Callows region in the summer of 2008; the plans he has to address this issue; if he will ensure that silt banks that have built up along the Shannon banks will be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2830/09]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Finance when he will pursue further works particularly in view of the summer flooding in 2008 following the first phase of work in the Shannon Callows drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2832/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 43 together.

The Shannon Callows are prone to annual winter flooding and to periodic summer flooding, affecting both farming and environmental interests in the area, including EU protected species. The exceptional rainfall in 2008 exacerbated the flooding, which is caused mainly by the extremely flat gradient of the river. This makes it very difficult to devise a cost-effective solution. I personally visited the area with my officials on 12 September last, in the company of the IFA President, Pádráig Walsh, and local farmers and public representatives to see the problems for myself. The Office of Public Works carried out some clearance of vegetation in the area, which, although not sufficient to prevent the flooding last year, has improved the situation. This work was carried out with the agreement of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and in consultation with other stakeholders.

There is a proposal to remove silt from the Shannon Cut to try to improve the situation further. Although OPW has some reservations as to how effective this will be, it is prepared to undertake a pilot project to test the efficacy of the measure, provided it is possible to do so in a cost-effective and environmentally acceptable manner. Preliminary discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service raised a number of issues, and OPW will meet with the stakeholders during February with a view to securing agreement to proceed with the pilot project.

The long-term management of summer flooding of the Callows will have to have regard to the availability of resources in addition to environmental constraints. and these issues will be considered in the course of the development of a Flood Risk Management Plan for the Shannon River Basin, which will be prepared in accordance with the EU Floods Directive.