asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of interference to the fish pass at the weir in Inniscarra, County Cork, and the consequent damage to fish as a result; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Fish Pass.
45.
I am aware of interference recently with Inniscarra Weir and with the fish passes in it. I am having investigations carried out to ascertain what effect the changes in the structure may have on the passage of fish and what works may be required to remedy the position. As a first step, one of the fish passes has been restored to working order.
Did I understand the Parliamentary Secretary to say that it had come to his notice recently?
No. What I did say is that I am aware that interference took place recently.
How recently?
Last month.
What I am referring to is interference last September. No action was since taken by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. I am not referring to the interference of a month ago but to interference last September when, may I say, a former Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries gave as an excuse political pressure that was brought to bear on him not to act in regard to this interference.
I am not aware of anything that took place previously. The Deputy is aware that this weir has been in very bad repair for some time past but any interference with it took place, I believe, only recently.
I am aware of this but I am also amazed that the Parliamentary Secretary is not aware of the interference last September and that nothing has been done about it since. I ask him to make further inquiries in the matter.