The Chairman of the IFA Project Team on Flooding Michael Silke has welcomed the recommendations contained in the report prepared by the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment following the severe weather conditions last winter.

Mr Silke said, “In particular, the Committee’s recommendation for a single agency for the River Shannon is very welcome as it acknowledges the need to have an agency with the specific remit of carrying out essential maintenance on our river network so that the damage caused to farmland and households can be avoided in future.” The Project Team Chairman also noted that the Committee’s report suggested extra funding for the OPW for flood risk management and a national strategy for river drainage and maintenance measures.

Concluding Mr Silke said, “The persistent failure to maintain our waterways over the last 30 years has created unnecessary hardship for thousands of farm families and rural dwellers. This report identifies how effective, co-ordinated measures can avoid a repeat of the problems of the past. It is now time for action.”