Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 136 together.

On the Shannon Navigation, the water levels on the 3 lakes (Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg) are controlled and managed by the ESB while the levels in between the lakes are managed by Waterways Ireland.

The ESB manages the outlets of the major lakes through sluice barrages at Bellantra (Lough Allen), Athlone (Lough Ree) and Parteen/Ardnacrusha (Lough Derg).  The outlets at Bellantra and Parteen/Ardnacrusha are controlled and managed by the ESB. Waterways Ireland provides manual assistance at Athlone working to instruction from the ESB. There are interim sluices/weirs at Jamestown, Roosky, Tarmonbarry and Meelick/New Cut, all of which are managed and operated by Waterways Ireland.

Waterways Ireland and the ESB have an agreed protocol under which the decision-making process and communication functions in relation to water level management are undertaken.  Both organisations  communicate on a daily basis to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the management of water levels, with the ESB managing levels for electricity production and Waterways Ireland managing the levels for navigation during the boating season.

Waterways Ireland has provided the data requested by the Deputy for the period 24^thJune to 28^thJune in Table 1, at the link.  The ESB has provided data in respect of Athlone which is set out in Table 2, at the link.

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">ShannonWaterways - ESB

The ESB has lowered the level of Lough Ree during the recent dry period in accordance with its regulations, by operation of the sluices adjacent to Athlone Weir. The level downstream of Athlone Weir was also significantly below the determined “callows flood level” following the recent dry spell.

Significant rainfall has occurred on the Middle Shannon Catchment over the past number of days which has caused water levels to increase sharply across the catchment.

There is currently one sluice open at Athlone Weir, reduced from 2, as of this morning (29^thJune). This is monitored on an ongoing basis with review of water levels, rainfall, forecasted rain and discussions with Waterways Ireland.  The ESB continues to operate in accordance with its regulations and guidelines for control of the River Shannon. 

Separately, work is advancing to progress the project for the removal of the ‘pinch points’ in the Shannon Callows between Athlone and Meelick Weir.  A Steering Group has been established to oversee this project and a brief is being finalised for the appointment of a consultant to carry out the initial analysis and design work.  Waterways Ireland, on behalf of the Shannon Group, will act as the Contracting Authority for this project. 

The works can only commence following the completion of the appropriate environmental assessments which are expected to be significant.  In addition, planning consent will be required to progress the project.  This is a time intensive process and there are a range of variables outside the control of the Shannon Group that may impact on the overall timescale for the delivery of this project.