Calls for river maintenance and ash dieback support in Leitrim raised in Dáil

Sinn Féin TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Martin Kenny, recently raised two issues in the Dáil that frequently impact Leitrim.

During statements on flood relief, Deputy Kenny urged Minister Kevin Moran – who holds special responsibility for the Office of Public Works – to introduce permanent maintenance boats on the River Shannon. He pointed out that this is common practice in other countries.

He noted that such boats, stationed on major rivers, help prevent blockages and ensure smooth water flow.

“They’re taking away the pinch points at the eye of a bridge where debris builds up, removing it, taking it away, bends on the river, making sure that the flow of water is uninhibited at the times it needs to be uninhibited,” Deputy Kenny said.

He further emphasised the importance of managing water levels in lakes on the Shannon due to the risk of flooding.

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“Another issue that needs to be looked at is making sure the water levels of lakes on the Shannon are low at the time of year where we expect a lot of rain so that there’s capacity to hold it and let it out slowly,” he added.

Deputy Kenny said that Lough Allen is a “typical example” that needs serious attention.

He also called for supports for farmers dealing with trees affected by ash dieback – a persistent issue that has plagued Leitrim for over a decade and continues to worsen. The cost of removing trees is often unaffordable, and no support is currently available.

“Many farmers are complaining about ash die back trees falling into the rivers and drains and blocking them,” he said.

Calling the trees a “serious problem,” he pointed out the lack of funding available unless the ash is part of a plantation.

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“I think there needs to be some measure looked at because it does impact on flooding,” he added.

In April, Cllr Enda Stenson raised the issue at a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, asking if there had been any progress in securing funding to remove ash trees along regional and and national roads.

He also noted that while there is support for forest owners, farmers are left on their own.

A response from the Department of Transport confirmed that there is no intention to grant-aid the cutting or removal of the trees currently affecting the county and country.