The Office of Public Works (OPW) has launched a new website, rivershannongroup.ie, to provide public access to information about flood risk management along the River Shannon.

The site was unveiled by Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and is part of the ongoing work of the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group.

The Group was established in 2016 following severe flooding in the Shannon Basin. It brings together key State agencies to coordinate flood risk management and maintenance activities across the region.

The new website offers real-time updates on water level controls operated by the ESB and Waterways Ireland, including sluice operations on the river and the three major lakes, Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg. It also provides updates on flood relief schemes led by the OPW in partnership with local authorities, and outlines strategic maintenance works carried out on behalf of the Group.

Waterways Ireland is currently delivering a programme of maintenance works at 23 locations along the Shannon. These include tree pruning, vegetation management and planned silt removal, all subject to ecological and environmental assessments. To date, approximately €1.3 million has been spent on these activities, with a further €2 million earmarked for future works.

The website also features educational videos explaining how water levels are managed and why certain areas, such as the Shannon Callows, are particularly vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

Minister Moran said the website would improve transparency and public engagement, and confirmed that the Group will continue consulting with stakeholders to identify additional maintenance priorities.