ÔNo issueÕ with water supply in city despite low Corrib levels

 BY FRANCIS FARRAGHER

Following a rain bombardment that stretched from last June to the end of January, water levels on the River Corrib have now fallen to their lowest level in 11 months – but we’re a long way removed from the likes of Dublin’s water shortage problems.

This week, only one sluice gate is open at the Galway Weir Fishery, compared to times of high rainfall when all 17 gates would be opened up to release the water flow.

Householders though have been reassured by the City Council that “there is no issue” as regards the water supply position in the city – over recent weeks a water rationing regime was put in place in Dublin.

“We have ample water resources to supply all our demands and thankfully we have no concerns in this regard. There is no issue over water supply levels,” said a spokesman for the City Council.

Anglers are also ‘keeping an eye’ on the Corrib water flow but according to angling correspondent, Danny Goldrick, early season fishing has been quite good despite the very cold March and the low level of the river.

“Some anglers, especially those in the slightly older category, have had problems with their boats being left ‘high and dry’ on the shoreline, but apart from that the fishing has been quite good this Spring despite the harsh conditions,” said Mr Goldrick.

He said that it had been quite some time since only one sluice gate was open at the weir, but this had actually led to a “perfect level” for salmon fly-fishers.

“Lough Corrib and Lough Mask are also very low in water levels. Management at the fishery say that if rain doesn’t come soon, then all the sluice gates will be closed, creating a worse situation all-round for angling and salmon runs there,” said Mr Goldrick.

Chairman of the Corrib Board of Trustees, Cllr Padraig Conneely, said that “too much water rather than too little” was the more common problem with the Corrib over recent months and years.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.