Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
375. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the proposed removal of pinch points along the River Shannon between Meelick and Banagher; if surveys or assessments have been completed; the expected timeline for works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16895/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra378. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the agreed programme of works for the removal of identified pinch points along the River Shannon between Meelick Eyrecourt and Banagher; to outline the current status of these works; the timeline for commencement and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17150/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 378 together.
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 benefit in managing flood risk on the Shannon Catchment. The Group is focussed on prioritising actions and activities that can help to manage flood risk along the River Shannon.
The Group approved the appointment of an ecological consultant to carry out a high level environmental study in relation to a proposed project to remove ‘pinch points’ along the River Shannon Callows. The findings of this study highlighted that significant environmental analysis is required to fully assess the impact of the project.
At its last meeting, in October, the Group established a dedicated working group to consider next steps, including the consideration of further options to address flood risk on the Shannon Callows. The working group has contacted key stakeholders in the Shannon region to seek their inputs. This stakeholder engagement will inform the consideration of options by the working group.
I remain fully committed to working with the Group and key stakeholders to improve the management of flood risk on the River Shannon.
