Increased River Shannon Maintenance Essential to Reduce Flooding Risk – IFA

IFA Flooding Project Team Chair Brendan Golden said the works being carried out along the River Shannon to date represent a positive step forward, but continued river maintenance and effective water level management are essential to reducing the risk of flooding on agricultural land.

IFA recently met with Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran to discuss the maintenance works being carried out along the River Shannon and discuss ongoing flooding concerns affecting farmers throughout the Shannon catchment.

“Maintaining appropriate water levels, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, is critical to protecting farmland and reducing the impact of prolonged flooding on farm families,” Brendan Golden said.

“Farmers along the Shannon have suffered significant losses due to repeated flooding. While we welcome the maintenance works being undertaken, there is still a considerable amount of work to be done to address the ongoing flooding issues along the river,” he added.

“These works are a positive step, but they must be part of a sustained programme of river maintenance, alongside proactive management of water levels. Farmers need to see continued progress and practical measures that will make a difference on the ground,” Brendan Golden concluded.

IFA will continue to engage with Minister Moran and the relevant authorities to ensure that further works are progressed and that the protection of farmland remains a priority.