Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to address the summer flooding in the Shannon Basin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43240/12]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I continue to monitor very closely, the on-going progress in respect of the River Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management Study. The Deputy will be well aware of the many meetings I have held over the summer period with local elected representatives, local stakeholders and senior representatives of both Waterways Ireland and the ESB to discuss the situation.

I met again with Waterways Ireland and the ESB, on 19 September, 2012 to review operational control protocols for water flows and levels on the Shannon. It was agreed at that meeting, in the light of stakeholder requests, to carry out a water level monitoring exercise, involving controlled raising and lowering of weir boards at selected locations. The carrying out of this exercise is contingent on favourable hydrological conditions and for this reason it has not been possible to date to undertake the exercise. It is intended to carry out the exercise as soon as conditions permit.

I also met with the representatives of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI), and the Irish Boat Rental Association (IBRA) on 27 September, 2012 to discuss their concerns regarding operational controls on the Shannon. These concerns have been passed to Jacobs Engineering for active consideration in the context of its Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) Study for the River Shannon, as part of the national CFRAM programme.

Further, a briefing of the Irish Farmers Association by Jacobs Engineering on the latter's Report on a Review of Operational Control of Water Levels on the River Shannon has been arranged for 24th October 2012.

I can assure you that I will maintain the close interest and involvement in this matter that I have demonstrated to date.

It is my intention to ensure that constructive dialogue continues with all the main stakeholders and that progress can be made towards achieving a balanced and fair solution where the water in the Shannon and its lakes is maintained at levels which meets the needs of business, navigation, power generation and the welfare of those living and farming directly adjacent to the main river channel.