Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
99. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group is engaging with Westmeath and Longford authorities to coordinate flood defence delivery and information flow to residents. [10606/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 benefit in managing flood risk on the Shannon Catchment. The Group’s focus is the prioritisation of actions and activities that can help to manage flood risk along the River Shannon.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for leading and co-ordinating the implementation of flood relief schemes to provide flood protection for cities, towns and villages, either directly, or in association with relevant Local Authorities. Public consultation forms part of the design and planning stages of Flood Relief Scheme delivery. Updates on the schemes are available to the public at www.floodinfo.ie/scheme-info/
In October 2025, I launched the Group’s website: www.rivershannongroup.ie. The website contains information for the public on the significant programme of flood relief schemes that the OPW is progressing in partnership with Local Authorities to protect communities in the Shannon Catchment. It also provides real time information on the management of water levels by ESB and Waterways Ireland. Minutes of the meetings of the Group and work plans can also be found on the website.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding problems. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame and funding of 90 to 95% is available if depending on the nature of the application.
I remain fully committed to working with the Group and key stakeholders to improve the management of flood risk on the River Shannon.
