Objectives

Objectives
1 .
(a)  Reduce water level in:  Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg by one (1) metre.

(b) Introduce an emergency bill to repeal/change the legislation enacted in the 1920/30is to control the level of the lakes.

2.
One authority to be in total control of the Shannon and all agencies that have an interest therein.  This authority to be enabled to mandate the ESB and Waterways Ireland to release water in a co-ordinated manner (and in anticipation of long-term Met Eireann forecasting systems) at all the weirs/sluices they control.

3.
To help lower the levels in the Mid Shannon area it is imperative that all impediments in critical areas be removed.  We have prepared a detailed list of these impediments in the areas between Banagher and Athlone. These works must begin as soon as possible and immediate priority must be given to the disastrous stretch of river between Banagher and Meelick. These works must include the following:

(i)The removal of all alluvial islands and bushes (including roots) below Meelick Weir;

(ii)The complete removal of the massive siltation which has occurred 500 metres above Marlborough Sluices;

(iii)The removal of the silt deposits at the entrance to the New Cut in Lusmagh (Banagher);

(iv)The immediate removal of small islands/siltation at Shannon Grove (Esker).

(v)In conjunction with levels being lowered, the complete removal of boards/walls on any weir and also the full repair of sluices that are out of commission/blocked up due to lack of maintenance.  This must begin immediately.

These works will remove a series of key impediments in this area and will allow water to flow more freely through Marlborough sluices and Meelick Weir. It will also begin the process of preventing the winter flooding from rising to the critical levels experienced by families living along the banks of the Shannon in the Mid Shannon region.

At these new lower lake levels navigation for boats and other river craft will be completely safe and possible providing:

(a)Navigation laws are adhered to and boats navigate within the boundaries marked out by posts/markers on the river.

(b)Proper training/instruction must be implemented on navigation procedures, whether for commercial or pleasure craft, at the point of hire.

(c)Water levels can be further reduced if codes of practice are adhered to for navigation purposes.  Consideration must be given to proper signage where islands exist eg Wren’s Island, Long Island, Calf Island etc.  Problems arise when boats try to navigate around these islands outside of the navigation signage where shallow water and rocks pose a serious danger.  This is based on the experience of local land owners over the years.

Implementation of these measures will alleviate both Winter and Summer flooding in the mid-Shannon area.