The Shannon International River Basin District Advisory Council was established by the Local Authorities in the Shannon International River Basin District under the European Communities (Water Policy) (Amendment) Regulations 2005.

The objective of the Advisory Council is to consider matters relating to the preparation of the river basin management plan for the district and other matters relevant to the protection and use of the aquatic environment and water resources in the district, and to advise and make recommendations on these matters to the relevant public authorities.

Limerick County Council is the co-ordinating local authority and has responsibility for setting up and providing secretarial support to the Advisory Council. An initial meeting of the 36 nominated persons from the 18 participating Local Authorities took place on the 26th April 2006.

This meeting co-opted 10 persons representing Agriculture, Angling, Academia, Business and bodies for the protection of water. The Council is required to meet at least twice annually but met six times in its inaugural year.