Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2019
509. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the lack of involvement by Inland Fisheries Ireland in the Bandon flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21379/19]
View answerThe Bandon Flood Relief Scheme is entirely under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW). Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has no direct statutory remit in relation to the implementation of such schemes.
However, should fisheries related works be required in conjunction with or following the implementation of any such scheme, IFI are involved to the full extent of its statutory remit. IFI has recently signed an agreement with OPW to build on existing good practices and develop a framework to support high level collaboration.
Both organisations have obligations to implement European and national legislation and policy. The agreement will deliver the Environmental River Enhancement Programme and focus on scientific investigations; impacts of arterial drainage maintenance on the biota and habitat with the river corridor; the potential for current strategies to provide environmental gain while securing adequate channel conveyance. All if this is to be undertaken in the context of the EU Water Framework Directive.
I can confirm for the Deputy that IFI recently took a prosecution in relation to a fish kill that occurred during works relating to the Bandon scheme.
