TD asks if there is an 'unspoken practice' to allow Shannon Callows farms to flood

An Offaly TD has queried whether there is an “unspoken practice” to allow lands in the Shannon Callows in Offaly, Galway and Westmeath, to flood to safeguard other areas along the Shannon as it nears Limerick and Ardnacrusha.

Deputy Barry Cowen was speaking in the Dail last week as he raised the issue of Shannon Callows flooding.

He said he was aware of about 200 farms in south west Offaly, east Galway and in Westmeath, that have been under water since July.

This was now becoming an annual event, he said.

“It may be the case that there is an unspoken practice, within the OPW, which deems it appropriate for these lands to be flooded to safeguard other areas along the path of the Shannon as it nears the sea and Ardnacrusha. If that is the case, it should be stated openly, brought to the attention of those affected by it and there should be a discussion regarding adequate compensation to deal with the impact on those 200 farms.“

Cowen argued that a “minimalist clearance of pinch points on the Shannon” was not having an impact and he called for a single agency to be introduced to bring the separate conflicting interests of the various stakeholders together.

In response, Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan said the Government established the Shannon flood risk State agency co-ordination working group in 2016 to support existing plans to address flooding on the Shannon and to enhance ongoing co-operation of all State agencies involved with the River Shannon.

He said a €7 million strategic programme of maintenance and the removal of constrictions or pinch points on the bed of the River Shannon at the Callows region between Athlone and Meelick weir and been agreed.

“Progression of these works will be subject to the full environmental impact assessments required and planning consent to proceed.

These works are expected to commence in 2021.

He said water levels were the responsibility of ESB and Waterways Ireland.

Minister O'Donovan said he would travel to the relevant parts of Offaly, Galway and Westmeath shortly and would meet with affected parties.