An official of the Department met representatives of the fishermen concerned, South Tipperary County Council and the Southern Regional Fisheries Board, to discuss the issues raised by the fishermen. I subsequently also held a meeting with the fishermen. The fishermen expressed the view to me that the location of the outfall diffusers and associated navigation buoy would cause disruption to their operations, by creating a snagging or fouling hazard for their nets. As a result, they requested that the diffusers and buoy be moved.
I indicated at the meeting with the fishermen that I would give careful consideration to the issues they raised, and I subsequently received from the Southern Regional Fisheries Board, on their behalf, details of catches in previous years. The data have been referred to South Tipperary County Council for any views that it may have, and its response is awaited. While I will consider any comment that the local authority may make, the advice available to me at this stage is that any effect on fishing in the area can only be described as localised and minor.