asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is contemplated, in the further extension of the Shannon Scheme, to lower the Shannon level in its northern reaches; and, if so, will provision be made to safeguard the public services which would be affected: for instance, water supply and sewerage; if it is contemplated to cease navigation on this part of the Shannon, or to introduce boats of lighter draught and suitable to the proposed lower level.

No decision has yet been reached to undertake a further development of the Shannon Scheme or to lower permanently the levels in the upper part of the Shannon. If an unusually dry period should occur this summer it may prove necessary, because of the increasing demand for electricity, to lower those levels temporarily and thus restrict navigation for a few weeks. Provision would, however, be made for water supplies and sewerage services.

The Parliamentary Secretary in his reply states that, if an unusually dry period should occur this summer, it may be necessary to lower those levels temporarily and thus restrict navigation for a few weeks. Will he say whether any provision will be made in the meantime to cope with the inconvenience that traders may be put to as a result of that?

At present it is anticipated that if there is an exceptionally dry season it will only be a matter of a few weeks. Already there has been a temporary suspension of the services for more than that period, and the Navigation Company has been able to make the necessary arrangements to meet that.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary state whether it will interfere with the sewerage and water supplies for the time being?

Provision will be made to see that these services are maintained.

We can take it then that if inconvenience is caused to the sewerage or water supplies in the case of the people using the present Shannon levels provision will be made to meet their requirements?

Yes.