Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide information on the person or body that decides to open or close sluice gates on the River Shannon; and the criteria that inform such decisions. [15562/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that water levels on the River Shannon are controlled by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and Waterways Ireland. The ESB controls the outflows from Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg, as empowered by the various Electricity Supply Acts. The sluices at Athlone Lock, at the outfall of Lough Ree, are operated by Waterways Ireland staff under the direction of the ESB. I should also add that Waterways Ireland controls the intermediate weir and sluice controls at Jamestown, Roosky, Tarmonbarry and Meelick for navigation purposes.

The criteria for Waterways Ireland is to ensure a minimum level for navigation along each stretch of the Shannon Navigation and, once that level is attained, to operate the sluices to minimise the threat of flooding. When all sluices are open in the aftermath of large rainfall amounts, Waterways Ireland has no further control on water levels until they recede back to the minimum navigation requirement. I am advised that the ESB and Waterways Ireland fully co-operate and constantly exchange data on forecasts and levels in order to manage the system within their statutory parameters.