Dear Minister Gormley,
I am writing to you representing the Shannon Action Group. Our group had a meeting, which was kindly facilitated by Deputy Mary O’Rourke, with officials representing the OPW in Athlone on Tuesday November 16 in relation to possible flood alleviation measures, which we had proposed to Minister Martin Manseragh last April. One of these measures involved the cutting of some trees in the Meelick area of the Shannon. From our discussions with the OPW we understand that the OPW have applied for a licence to do the necessary works; however this licence seems to be taking an awful long time to be granted, so much so, that the schedule of works proposed are in possible danger of not being done.
We understand that this licence is granted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, who report to your Department. With this in mind we ask you to investigate this delay as I am sure you will appreciate time is short for flood alleviation works to take place. It is important to impress, that everything possible should be done to avoid a repeat of the devastation of last year’s flooding, and with this in mind our group feel that any work which can help avoid a repeat of the suffering endured from flooding last year should be encouraged, and not be hampered by red tape.
We trust that this issue shall receive your urgent attention, and we await your reply.
Yours, etc
John Dolan
Athlone
