Save Lough Ree campaign set to go global

THE CAMPAIGN to protect the integrity of Lough Ree and oppose plans by Dublin City Council to extract vast volumes of water to serve the growing demands of the greater Dublin area is going global.

The Shannon Protection Alliance (SPA), which is behind the campaign of opposition is lobbying for support in the UK and US and is making moves to establish campaign offices in London and New York.

“We are seeking the support of ex-pats in the UK and US with a view to setting up a support mechanism and campaign offices in London and New York. We are polarising ex-pats from counties along the Shannon basin and this is as much about moral support for our campaign as it is about fundraising,” PJ Walsh PRO for the group said.

“When you take into consideration the costs of scientific reports and the associated legal costs, we estimate that we will need at least €100,000 and that costs could run to as much as €250,000 for this campaign, which could continue for a number of years,” Mr Walsh added. Members of the group have already met with ex-pats and other interested parties in London and are currently in New York drumming up support for their campaign to protect Lough Ree and the River Shannon.

Friends of the Irish Environment