New website launched to support flood relief efforts along River Shannon

A NEW website has been launched for the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group to share information with communities and the general public about the work of the Group.

The Group was established in 2016 following severe flooding that impacted the River Shannon Basin to better coordinate the efforts of all key State Agencies operating in the region.

One key feature will enable users to access real-time information on the operation of water level controls by the ESB and Waterways Ireland through sluice structures on the river and the three lakes (Loughs Allen, Ree and Derg).

The site provides information on flood relief schemes being undertaken by the OPW in partnership with local authorities and the strategic maintenance activities undertaken on behalf of the Group.

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A suite of animated videos explain how water levels are managed, the programme of flood relief schemes, and the nature of the river and why parts of the Shannon River Basin District, such as the Shannon Callows, can be especially vulnerable to flooding in times of prolonged and heavy rainfall.

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, announced the launch of the website, saying: “I have seen at first-hand the effects of flooding along the River Shannon and across the country.”

“I fully support the work of the Group, which is focused on mitigating flood risk and ensuring that the work of all State Agencies involved with the River Shannon is closely coordinated.”

The work of the Group includes progressing a programme of strategic maintenance on the river, which has spent around €1.3m to date. On behalf of the Group, Waterways Ireland is advancing a planned programme of strategic maintenance works. These works include the management and delivery of tree pruning and vegetation maintenance, and planned silt removal, with associated ecological and environmental assessments, at 23 locations along the Shannon.

The Minister for the Office of Public Works added: “The programme of Strategic Maintenance being undertaken on behalf of the Group is critical to mitigate flood risk and I remain firmly committed to working closely with communities and ensuring that the Group has appropriate funding for this programme.”

“In this context, I can confirm that funding of €2 million has been earmarked for future strategic maintenance work. The Group will be consulting with key stakeholders to identify any additional locations that can be added to this programme of maintenance on the Shannon.”

Minister Moran said the launch of the website rivershannongroup.ie, will make the Group’s work and plans “more visible to all who live and work” in the Shannon catchment and further afield.

Minister Moran concluded: “Managing flood risk requires co-operation across agencies, local authorities, and communities — and that is exactly what the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group represents.”

“It is my hope that this website will become a trusted reference point for everyone with an interest in the Shannon — from residents to researchers, from farmers to policymakers.”