Written answers

Thursday, 21 November 2013

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Flood Prevention Measures

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

14. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to address the summer flooding in the Shannon Callows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49418/13]

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The core strategy for addressing flood risk in the Shannon Basin is the River Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management Study. The CFRAM Study is being conducted by Jacobs Engineering on behalf of the Office of Public Works and I am advised that good progress is being made on the project. The output of this important project will be an integrated plan of specific measures to address in a comprehensive and sustainable way the significant flood risk factors in the Shannon basin, including the Callows area, subject to meeting environmental and economic cost-benefit criteria.

As the Deputy is aware, operational control of water flows and levels on the Shannon is the responsibility of both the ESB and Waterways Ireland. In order to address ongoing concerns that the existing water level control regime may be a contributory factor in early Summer flooding in the Callows, the OPW facilitated discussions between these principal operating stakeholders toward agreeing a new interim control regime on the regulation of levels. Under this interim regime the ESB has agreed to a trial lowering of the Spring/early Summer target levels in Lough Ree to reduce somewhat the risk of summer flooding particularly in the Shannon Callows area. This trial commenced this summer and will remain in place until the publication of the Shannon CFRAM Plan.

On foot of discussions between my colleague, Minister of State Tom Hayes and the IFA, and with the co-operation of both the ESB and Waterways Ireland, a water level monitoring exercise is being carried out as part of the CFRAM process which will allow for analysis of water flows and levels at key points around the Lough Ree and Callows areas. Data from this exercise is being collated currently and the results will feed into the overall Shannon CFRAM study.

The OPW will continue to review these developments on a regular basis in consultation with the ESB and Waterways Ireland.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.