asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the heavy losses sustained by the salmon fishermen in the Erne estuary at Ballyshannon this season, due to the continuous flooding of the estuary from the turbines of the hydro-electric station, he will request the E.S.B. to make an amicable arrangement whereby the fishermen may operate undisturbed for specified periods.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyshannon Fishermen's Losses.
I am advised by the E.S.B. that the flooding of the estuary is necessary for the efficient operation of the Erne stations and that it would not be feasible to vary the flow conditions of the water in such a manner as to suit the fishermen's requirements.
As the operation of the stations is in performance of the statutory obligations and functions imposed on the board I have no function in the matter and I cannot, therefore, see my way to intervene.
Would the Minister agree that, while we admit that the board are not performing anything other than their statutory function, they should have consideration for the fishermen who have suffered very heavy losses because of the unusually prolonged flooding? Would the Minister not consider using his good offices to see if some amicable arrangement can be made?
I have been informed by the E.S.B. that this matter has been sympathetically considered by them.
They have done nothing about it.
The question is as to whether we will have an electricity generating station there or a river for fishing. Apparently one cannot have an electricity generating station there without this flooding, which flooding the E.S.B. say is technically necessary for the operation of the station. If, however, the Deputy has any suggestions to make which are acceptable to the board I will have them submitted to the board for sympathetic consideration.
Is the Minister aware that in previous years the flooding was not so continuous? I am told it is possible to have the same output from the station by arranging the flooding at other times.
The E.S.B. say that it is not possible to do what the fishermen want to do in this case, but if the Deputy has any proposals to make whereby the matter can be settled in an amicable way I will ask the E.S.B. to consider any suggestions which he makes.
If I get in touch with the Minister's office, will he consider any proposals which I may have to make?
I will ask the E.S.B. to consider them. It is the technical and operating body in this case.
The Minister has no responsibility?
I have no function except to ask the E.S.B. to do their best, and I am willing to ask them to do that in this case.