As rainfall continues to intensify at a local level this week, the Save Our Shannon Organisation (SOSO ) has expressed vast concerns regarding the rising water levels and the detrimental impact flooding continues to have in the Callows region.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week a spokesperson for the organisation noted that as a recent result of the rising water levels all farming activities are now curtailed and no meadow cut in any part of the Shannon Callows.
“Farmers within the locality now consider that this crop of hay, silage and grazing is lost and it is unlikely that any of it can be salvaged,” the exasperated spokesperson stated.
Since its formation, the Save Our Shannon Organisation has been calling upon the formal establishment of one authority to govern all works to be implemented on the waterway.
“Since our organisation’s establishment and noting the major flooding of November 2009, December/January 2015/16 and Feb 2020, it is imperative that one authority be formed to govern all works along the River Shannon, particularly in the Callows region. Yet, to, date, no action has been taken in this regard.
“The removal of a number of pinchpoints in order to improve the conveyancing of water in the Shannon Callows region is essential. To date, one small pinchpoint and quarter of a second one have been removed from the New Cut, Lusma and this act was conducted during Deputy Boxer Moran’s tenure. In fact, the total amount removed was so insignificant that it had no impact on the flooding that followed.
“Our organisation has also requested that the three lakes on the River Shannon be lowered during the summer season to enable ample storage area for flood waters as they rise, with the opening of the gates/sluices in Athlone and Meelick in a timely manner (prior to serious rainfall ) also most imperative, but unfortunately this has yet to materialise,” the spokesperson added.
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According to the SOSO spokesperson, the lack of adequate River Shannon management by the ESB and Inland Waterways has created a huge financial burden and immeasurable stress.
“On Saturday, July 15, with flooding on the River Shannon becoming cause for much concern, the water levels in Lough Allen were 0.60 metres above summer level and south of Athlone Weir levels increased to 0.72 metres above summer level, surely a warning sign! At the same time Met Éireann had been issuing warnings, almost daily during the previous week, concerning constant rain and the dangers of spot flooding.
“Yet on that particular date, just over half of the gates/sluices in Meelick and Lusmagh were open, as SOSO representatives tried in vain to make contact with ESB and Inland Waterways to express our concerns.
“In desperation, our organisation made contact by e-mail with 10 elected representatives within the Shannon Callows area on July 15. One such elected representative was immediately pro-active and by lunchtime on Sunday, July 16, 28 gates out of a total of 30 were opened to momentarily alleviate the issue.
“Such a situation should not be allowed unfold particularly given the recent incessant rainfall and once again, as a concerned organisation we are calling for the prompt establishment of one authority to govern all works to be implemented on the River Shannon,” the spokesperson asserted.
