Minister questioned on "sharp rise" in Shannon levels in Athlone

Galway-Roscommon TD Michael Fitzmaurice has this week questioned the Government about the actions being taken to lower water levels on the River Shannon in Athlone following the rainfall that has occurred in recent weeks.

In response, Minister Patrick O'Donovan acknowledged that water levels on both the Shannon and its tributaries have "risen sharply", and he said the ESB had been closing sluices in Athlone in order to help manage the situation.

Mr Fitzmaurice submitted his written Dáil question, which was answered on Tuesday by Minister O'Donovan, the Fine Gael TD from Limerick who has succeeded Kevin 'Boxer' Moran as Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works.

The question from Mr Fitzmaurice sought details of actions which have been taken, or will be taken, to "to reduce the current water levels on the River Shannon at Clonown South, Athlone, County Westmeath."

The Minister's response cited information he had received from the ESB and Waterways Ireland in relation to actions taken between July 8 and 16.

"ESB is continuously monitoring the water levels throughout the Shannon and continues to operate in accordance with its regulations and guidelines for control of the River Shannon," said the Minister.

"Heavy rainfall has been experienced throughout the catchment over the past number of weeks following a sustained dry period. This has resulted in increasing water levels in the River Shannon and its tributaries.

"Rainfall during the week commencing July 6, 2020, caused the tributaries in the vicinity of Lough Ree and the Athlone area to rise sharply.

"The River Suck, the largest tributary, which flows into the River Shannon downstream of Athlone, also has an influence on water levels in the main River Shannon channel in the Athlone area and this rose significantly during the week commencing July 6.

"In order to mitigate flooding of the Shannon Callows, the ESB has progressively closed sluices at Athlone, in accordance with its regulations and guidelines, with the last 3 remaining open sluices being closed on Thursday, July 9.

"Waterways Ireland has informed OPW that the weir boards at Meelick, required during periods of low flows, were removed on Wednesday, July 8," the Minister added.