Shannon maintenance work to resume in coming weeks

Maintenance work on the River Shannon, downstream of Banagher, is set to resume in less than two weeks' time after it had been halted in recent months. 

Local Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran announced that the work would recommence at Madden's Island on Monday, February 5. The work had stalled for the winter at the end of September, in line with a seasonal environmental window agreed with the Office of Public Works. 

"Earlier last year targeted maintenance works were carried out at Madden's Island, downstream of Banagher, where many trees which had been impeding the conveyance capacity and navigation of the Shannon were removed," said Minister Moran. 

"I am delighted to say that this work will recommence in a few week's time. This is the first opportunity to carry out the work which is when the next environmental window for works will allow.”

He added that it was important to recognise the work being carried out by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group which was established by Government to enhance on-going co-operation across all of the State agencies involved with the River Shannon. 

These agencies include the ESB, Waterways Ireland, Bord na Móna, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, OPW and the relevant local authorities.