Government announce plans to create single agency for Shannon flooding

The government is to establish a single agency with responsibility for flood risk on the river Shannon.

Minister for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte says the River Shannon Management Body Bill, will create a statutory management body to identify, coordinate, monitor and communicate flood risk management actions and activities for the entire catchment area.

The heads of the Bill are in preparation and are due to be published this side of the summer as part of the government's priority legislation.

Minister Rabbitte says that as well as ensuring a wide range of measures to help protect vulnerable communities, the new body will have the power to instruct agencies to take action where and when necessary.