Irish energy firm ESB and the Government have been called to propose a management plan in relation to the hydro-electric scheme built at Gearagh in the upper Lee Valley, Co Cork.

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada made the call after meeting with representatives from campaign group 'Free the Lee' and confirmed over 2,400 people have signed a petition to restore The Gearagh.

She said: "This is an ongoing issue especially for a number of ecologists who are fully aware of the negative implications of dams on our rivers.

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"A number of experts have contributed to the case outlining the impact such a hydroelectric scheme has on a natural river and these details are now in the public domain. Unfortunately no emphasis or mention was given over to the flood implications post clear-felling of thousands of acres of wet woodlands. Therefore it is suspected that this was a contributory factor to the severe flooding that the area has been hit with in recent months.

"Ecologists and river specialists have studied this area and are in full support of something concretely positive being undertaken by the responsible authorities. I am also calling for responsible authorities, in particular the ESB and the Irish Government to detail concrete plans outlining the future management of the dams, particularly around flood defence."

(CD/LM)