OPW Minister and local TD Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has been called on to take control of the drainage of the Shannon. Longford Senator Paraic Brady addressed the Minister during questions in the Seanad chamber and stated that too many organisations are involving themselves in river management. The Fine Gael Senator highlighted drainage issues with the Rinn, Blackwater and Shannon rivers that he says are causing severe issues with local landowners. The rivers flow through Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon and Cavan among others, with historical problems occurring in several areas. Senator Brady says that too many organisations are involved with the management of the River Shannon and the OPW needs to take control
Responding to the Senator, Minister Moran stated that rules and procedures must be followed and that he can't simply role diggers into projects. Responding to a number of Senators, Boxer stated that Government are putting good money into flood defence works and many of the organisations have valuable expertise.
