The proposed legislation has been on the priority list for over three years.
It's expected the text of a new bill which aims to provide flood risk management on the River Shannon will be brought to Cabinet in April.
The River Shannon Management Agency Bill has been on the priority list for over three years.
It comes after significant summer flooding along the Shannon Callows last year, which sparked a number of protests in Banagher.
Office of Public Works Minister Patrick O'Donovan, says it's a complicated matter:
Laois Offaly Independent TD Carol Nolan says she hopes the bill will provide a legislative focal point in terms of addressing the flooding:
"At long last we have a definitive date for the introduction of this Bill.
I understand the issue is complex, and that as the minister has indicated the issues are closely intertwined with other uses of the river such as navigation, dam safety and electricity generation, but it really was pushing the limits of credibility to continually see the Bill on the ‘priority’ list for the better part of four years now.
I look forward to continuing my constructive engagement on this matter with the Minister and indeed the OPW, the ESB and all other stakeholders particularly local farmers and landowners."
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