Several gates have been opened at Meelick Weir overnight in an effort to prevent flooding on the river Shannon in the aftermath of torrential rainfall.
Roscommon/Galway Deputy Denis Naughten says he's been told by Waterways Ireland that all 12 gates at Meelick Weir, and another 5 at the 'new cut' nearby have now been opened on the river.
He says he's also been informed that the water gauge at Banagher is presently 20 millimetres lower than the normal summer standard, and that should be enough capacity to take additional water.
The Independent TD says he was in contact with Waterways and Minister Darragh O' Brien overnight to voice concerns that heavy rainfall could lead to the loss of valuable fodder on the Shannon callows if the river flooded.
He says he hopes that better co-operation between OPW Ministers and Waterways in recent years is leading to improved management of the Shannon.
They have been working with both ESP and waterways Ireland to better manage the water levels on lock Island luxury and luxury and the management of the gate between that. And I know this is something that Michael silk and Patty Halligan have in the past argued that the better management of the water levels on the river itself could help to alleviate some are flooding. And we now hope that these measures that have now been taken will help to address that
