Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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31. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps being taken to address flood risks within the Shannon basin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24513/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Flood risks within the Shannon basin are being addressed by the River Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) Study which is a comprehensive assessment being carried out for the Office of Public works (OPW) by Jacobs Engineering. The work on the CFRAM study is progressing well. Details of the CFRAM Study and regular updates can be found on www.cfram.ie or http://shannoncframstudy.ie.

Operational control of water flows and levels on the Shannon is the responsibility of both the ESB and Waterways Ireland. With the co-operation of both bodies, the OPW plans to carry out a water level monitoring exercise, involving controlled raising and lowering of weir boards at selected locations, subject to favourable hydrological conditions. The situation is being monitored closely so that when suitable conditions prevail the exercise can proceed.

The ESB has agreed also to a trial lowering of the Spring/early Summer target levels in Lough Ree to reduce somewhat the risk of summer flooding in the callows.