Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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177. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he will take to address the two pinch points on the River Shannon at Shannon Grove and Derryholmes; if they will be prioritised under any emergency legislative provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35894/20]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Government established the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group in 2016 to enhance the ongoing co-operation of all State Agencies involved with the River Shannon.

The Group has taken a number of significant decisions since its establishment. The scope of work undertaken to date includes:

- Implementing targeted maintenance at five locations on the River Shannon.

- Completing a study to examine the removal of constrictions resulting in lower summer water levels through the Shannon Callows, to help address the summer flooding in this area while maintaining the appropriate navigation requirements.

- Completing a study to examine the cause, degree and rate of restriction downstream of Parteen Weir in the Lower Shannon.

- Trialling the lowering of the lake levels on Lough Allen to help alleviate any significant flooding that may occur.

- Completing a preliminary assessment on the potential for strategic maintenance on the River Shannon.

In October 2019, the Group agreed to a €7 million strategic programme of maintenance works and the removal of constrictions or ‘pinch points’ on the bed of the River Shannon between Athlone and Meelick Weir to improve the conveyancing of the River Shannon. A detailed design will be undertaken for the work involved in removing these ‘pinch points’, and this will confirm the extent of the work required.

These works will include the full environmental assessments required to progress to the planning process to obtain consent to proceed. This may influence the order of priority for undertaking the proposed works by Waterways Ireland, as the implementing body for the works. The works will also be informed by public consultation.

Waterways Ireland has informed the OPW that it has commenced work on advancing the various interventions, with implementation expected to commence at a number of locations in 2021.