Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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193. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the €7 million that has been allocated since December 2019 to alleviate constrictions to the flow of water in the Shannon Callows between Athlone and Meelick has not been spent; the reason there is still no plan; the reason no planning permissions have been sought; the further reason no applications for consents and planning permissions have been sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36236/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Work is continuing in progressing the project for the removal of ‘pinch points’ in the Callows region between Athlone and Meelick. A project brief is in preparation for a project consultant to be appointed to identify and manage all of the activities that are necessary to progress through the planning process to enable the commencement of the works. A steering group is in place to oversee this project with its last meeting held on 14 June.

The pinch points works can only commence following the completion of the appropriate environmental assessments and following receipt of planning permission. As set out in my previous reply on this matter, the Government has noted the studies by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group that support a programme of strategic maintenance to help mitigate flooding along the Shannon and the removal of ‘pinch points’ in the Shannon Callows that can help to delay flooding in the area. The Government has agreed that the OPW will provide €7m for all of these works, of which €4m relates to the removal of ‘pinch points’ in the Callows region.