Ardnacrusha hydroelectric station, December 2015

Ardnacrusha hydroelectric station, Lower River Shannon, December 2015. The Shannon scheme has devastated fish stocks on the River Shannon and has contributed to the recent flooding in the lower catchment. Less than 5% of the minimum conservation escapement target for salmon passing upstream at the Shannon dams is met. This scheme also has a devastating impact on the 'critically endangered' European eel - both as a result of turbine passage mortality and the blocking upstream recruitment. The ESB abstract an unsustainable amount of water from the River Shannon to power Ardnacrusha, and this has led to a decline in the physical health of the old river to such an extent that it can no longer convey floods. ESB water management on the Lower Shannon has significantly contributed to the recent flooding in areas such as Springfield, Clonlara. For a power station that supplies only about 1% of the national electricity, Ardnacrusha has caused profound damage to the ecology, fisheries and communities of the Lower River Shannon. It is time to start managing the Shannon scheme, and other ESB hydroelectric schemes, sustainably.