Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 446: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether ESB run dams should have flooding control and not energy production as their main priority; the steps he has taken to consider this; if he has been in consultation with the ESB to implement such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25332/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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ESB is statutorily charged with undertaking the production and generation of electricity by means of hydraulic power derived from the waters of certain rivers in Ireland.

Production of energy is, and will continue to be, the primary function for ESB hydro schemes. However, managing the water levels on rivers at the hydroelectric schemes is an intrinsic part of ESB's responsibilities. It has always been the case that in the event of flooding, the main priority becomes the management of the waters rather than production of energy. The levels of water and the power to change those levels are defined in the relevant legislation. ESB's hydro schemes and dams conform to international standards and practices and there are very stringent procedures in place to cover situations where flooding occurs.

ESB's own Regulations provide for operating procedures for the dams in relation to normal operation, flood conditions, dam safety, levels and low flow conditions. These Regulations are revised and updated regularly based on operating experience.

The relevant legislation in this regard is: Shannon Electricity Act 1925, Electricity Supply Act 1927, Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1934, Liffey Reservoir Act 1936, Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act 1945, River Erne Hydro-Electric Scheme Approval Order No. 86 of 1945, River Liffey (Leixlip) Hydro-Electric Scheme Approval Order No.154 of 1945, River Lee Hydro-Electric Scheme Approval Order No. 321 of 1949, Erne Drainage and Development Act 1950.