Disappointment after Minister Eamon Ryan declines invitation to visit Lough Funshinagh 

The Taoiseach visited Lough Funshinagh over the weekend for what was described as a private meeting with locals and politicians. The Tánaiste Micheál Martin is due to visit the lake tomorrow, Wednesday, May 22.

At yesterday’s meeting of the Athlone Municipal District, Cllr Laurence Fallon highlighted that Taoiseach Simon Harris was at the South Roscommon lake.

“He was shocked at what he saw,” he said, adding that the visit was positive. “He gave a commitment that he would go back and expedite the resolution as soon as possible.” He added that what was needed now was action “and action quickly”. He also said that the leader of the Green party Eamon Ryan declined his invitation to visit.

“I have to say I had a letter from Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, who declined to come down. That makes very obvious his commitment to rural Ireland and I am disappointed that he has decided to decline.” He added that the “bottom line is that if we don’t get a metre of water out of the lake between now and Christmas, the overflow pipe will be secondary because there will be so much damage done”.

Municipal Cathaoirleach Cllr Emer Kelly was also disappointed that Minister Ryan declined the invitation, “especially given the gravity of the situation”.

While he welcomed the visit of the Taoiseach, Tony Ward said it was his understanding that there could be no work done until the High Court injunction was lifted.

“I would like to see the works done as quickly as possible,” he said. “This has dragged on for nine years.” Cllr John Keogh agreed that the injunction had to be lifted and he appealed to the Friends of the Irish Environment to consider their position on it.

“Only the Friends of the Irish Environment are in a position to go into court and seek to vacate that,” Cllr Keogh said.

Cllr Donal Kilduff said it was very welcome that the Taoiseach came to view the lake but expressed concern that the visit might be “electioneering”. He said that the situation at Lough Funshinagh was a “shining example” of the impotence of the local government system.

“We have had the Taoiseach looking into the lake, MEPs, senators, TDs, all showing up in their wellies looking into the lake,” he said.

Cllr John Naughten said he understood the frustration of the councillors about the pace of finding a permanent solution, adding that families were being put in an “unacceptable” position. He said that the Taoiseach’s meeting was private with no media present.

On social media last night, Cllr Fallon posted the response he received on behalf of Minister Ryan, which said “Unfortunately the minister currently has a very hectic schedule" and a meeting could not be organised.

The Department of the Taoiseach also said that Taoiseach Simon Harris made a private visit to the area on Sunday to meet with the families affected.

“He wanted to see first-hand the situation and hear directly from homeowners. The Taoiseach is very grateful to local residents for their time and found the visit very helpful and informative,” a spokesperson said. “He greatly feels for those impacted and the stress and pressure they face on a daily basis. The Taoiseach continues to work with OPW Minister Kieran O’Donnell and the Attorney General to find a path forward for the families involved and will keep in close contact with them.” When contacted the Department of the Environment said that Lough Funshinagh and the resolving of the flooding is an important task that Minister Ryan "fully supports the OPW and Roscommon county councils efforts to resolve".

“However, the department has no direct role, other than the scientific advice provided by the Geological Survey Ireland.”