Written answers
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Flood Risk Management
Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
392. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will commit to a one metre reduction in the water levels of Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg. [1429/25]
Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Water levels on the River Shannon are managed by the ESB and Waterways Ireland, not the OPW.
Water levels are managed through the operation of gates and sluices at the outlets of the three major lakes and the operation of sluices and weirs at Jamestown, Roosky, Tarmonbarry, Meelick and the New Cut. These operations influence the levels on the Shannon but due to the shallow gradient of the river and the many natural restrictions along its course, the levels cannot be fully controlled especially when the Shannon is in flood. The river level is primarily the result of the amount of rain that falls on the river catchment area.
The water level on Lough Allen is managed by the ESB through the operation of the sluices at the outlet of the lake at Bellantra. The water level on Lough Ree is managed by the ESB through the operation of sluices at Athlone, although in times of flood, most water flows uncontrolled over the 170m weir alongside the Athlone sluices. Waterways Ireland provides manual assistance at Athlone, working to instruction from the ESB.
Levels in Lough Allen and Lough Ree are managed to assist with navigation, to ensure minimum navigation levels in the river during dry periods and to ensure that floods are passed safely. The levels in between the lakes are managed for navigation purposes.
The level of Lough Derg is managed by the ESB for the purpose of electricity generation, through operation at Ardnacrusha and gates at Parteen Weir. The ESB always operates to its Regulations and Guidelines for the control of the River Shannon.
The River Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group decided, in October 2016, to trial the lowering of the lake level on Lough Allen during the winter period to help mitigate potential flood risk. The ESB applies for Section 21 licences under the Wildlife Acts from the National parks and Wildlife Service on an annual basis to lower the water levels on Lough Allen. The ESB obtained a licence on 12 September 2024 to continue with the temporary operation of the protocol for reducing the levels on Lough Allen.
The Group continues to progress a range of measures which are intended to mitigate flood risk on the River Shannon.
Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
393. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will commit to the removal of the ten pinch points on the river Shannon between Athlone and Meelick. [1430/25]
Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
As the Deputy is aware, the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established by the Government in 2016 to enhance the ongoing co-operation of all State Agencies involved with the River Shannon and to introduce co-ordinated solutions that may have benefits in managing flood risk in the Shannon Catchment. The Group is focussed on prioritising actions and activities that can help to manage flood risk along the River Shannon.
A possible approach to provide a long term solution to summer flooding in the Shannon Callows is being developed by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group. During the summer period, the water level upstream of Meelick Weir is maintained at an appropriate level for navigation. This is controlled by the weir boards at Meelick Weir. The intent of the project is to deepen the stretch of the Shannon at particular pinch-points, which would negate the requirement for weir-boards to be used in Meelick Weir i.e. the water level could be lowered during the summer period.
A Steering Group is in place to progress the project for the removal of the ‘pinch points’. The Shannon Callows includes two sites designated under European Environmental legislation, the River Shannon Callows SAC and the Middle Shannon Callows SPA.
The project will need to comply with European law regarding ecological assessments. The National Parks & Wildlife Service have been involved in the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group since its establishment, and will continue to provide advice where appropriate.
An Ecological Consultant was appointed on 5 June 2024 to carry out a high level environmental study to consider the potential positive and negative ecological impacts of the proposed works on the River Shannon between Athlone and Meelick. A report has now been completed by the consultant and submitted to OPW for review. It is anticipated that the report will be finalised in the near future and this will inform next steps.
No comments