The Chief Executive gave an update to the Members on Lough Funshinagh as follows:

·         The Council is committed to finding a resolution to the flooding problem and the local authority are continuing to liase with the OPW, National Parks and Wildlife.

• He referenced a letter sent from the Council to Minister O’Donovan’s Department in May but the letter in itself would not alleviate the current issues affecting landowners and residents.
• Finding a solution to the flooding issue will be slow and difficult process and take up to five years.
• There are no measures in place to de-designate the SAC and legislation change will have to go through a process.
• The OPW are determined in their view that Roscommon County Council are the agents of change on the issue. The OPW is currently conducting a detailed analysis of historical information and there is also a need to fill in any gaps in this information.
• The Council have established two committees:
  • A Steering Group chaired by the Chief Executive,  Mr. Tiernan
  • A Working Group chaired by A/Director of Services Mr. Greg O’Donnell  - to meet in New Year.

·         The OPW, GSI, EPA, University experts will sit on the group. It will consider ecological considerations of the lake and review knowledge based on research and studies. The work is complex and detailed and needs to be thoroughly completed to provide the best chance of securing planning. The OPW will fund to get to the stage of planning.

• The OPW have committed to replace existing pumps at the site with two higher power pumps to remove water. The Council cann only carry our localised works the did previously should the need arise.

The Cathaoirleach Cllr. T. Crosby welcomed the establishment of the two working groups and appealed for the Minister to look at a judicial review process, whereby court applicants were forced to pay for costs incurred.

Cllr. L. Fallon said both the OPW and NPWS needed to be part of a solution to Lough Funshinagh. He said the level of the lake had risen 528mm in recent months.  Based on average rainfall in the next two to three years, he feared the neighbouring village of Ballagh would be lost. Local knowledge regarding the lake could be utilised in any ecological studies, particularly the rate at which the SAC will be destroyed.

Cllr. J. Naughten said finding a resolution would be expensive. He asked if the Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) withdrew their objection, would this allow work to recommence?

Cllr. T. Ward said 45 families had been affected by flooding over the past seven years and he proposed a letter be sent again to the Minister for Agriculture seeking compensation for affected landowners.

A/Director of Services Mr. Greg O’Donnell advised that the status of the SAC is very important and the Council have to demonstrate that a solution will be in the best interests of the turlough otherwise it will be hard to make a case.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED to write again to the Minister for Agriculture seeking compensation for farmers affected by flooding at Lough Funshinagh.