FEARS have been expressed the proposed water abstraction of more than 330 million litres of water from Lough Derg to Dublin could result in devastating impact for tourism-related business in East Clare. Speaking at a recent council briefing by Irish Water officials, Councillor Tony O’Brien asked if the proposed water abstraction project is a “done deal” or is it still in abeyance. Describing the River Shannon as the greatest natural resource in East Clare, he warned if Irish Water’s projections and forecasts are wrong, then the impact will be devastating and could “close the place down”. Commenting on the drought situation in Lough Derg in 2018, he said harbours and inlets couldn’t be accessed for tourism purposes for boat hire. “I dread to think if water abstraction was in place that time what the consequences would be. I am hugely concerned and so are my constituents. “Nothing will convince me that abstracting water from the River Shannon south of Killaloe …
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