Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
392. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery 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]
Amharc ar fhreagraWater 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.
