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Independent TDs Luke Ming Flanagan and Michael Fitzmaurice have arranged a meeting with the Environment Commission in Brussels to discuss the relationship between European water directives and the prevention of actions designed to reduce the risk of flooding.
The TDs say flooding along the Shannon region has become a major problem, with massive consequential damage at both an economic and a social level.
Therefore, they want to "clear up any confusion" over claims that "various European directives prevent certain very necessary work" from taking place.
"There is confusion over who is responsible and what can and cannot be done," they said.
The TDs added that the flooding crisis is a "national emergency" and "above politics". For this reason, they have invited Denis Naughten (Independent), Barry Cowen (Fianna Fáil environment spokesperson) and Brian Stanley (Sinn Féin environment spokesperson) to accompany them to Brussels.
The meeting is scheduled to take place this Wednesday, 13 January.
European Water Framework Directive
Although the European Water Framework Directive came under fire at the height of the flooding crisis for its alleged role in blocking action to prevent flooding, the Commission recently responded to these complaints, saying it does not prevent river dredging.
“The Irish Government does not need to notify the European Commission about plans to dredge rivers as there is no such obligation in EU legislation,” it said in a statement.
However, the Commission added that these directives require an assessment of all options available before activities that might damage a Natura 2000 site are undertaken.
SHARING OPTIONS: