Electricity Generation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (230)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

230. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that guidelines on the planning, design, construction and operation of small-scale hydroelectric schemes and fisheries are being used outside their intended scope; if there is a plan to update them in line with international best practice; if new guidelines for the remediation and mitigation of barriers to fish migration are likely to be developed in the near future (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19273/22]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that a review and update of the guidelines for new small-scale hydropower, originally drafted in 2005, is already underway, this review will include existing operations. Issues relating to weirs are a matter for the owners of such infrastructure, with IFI carrying out advisory and regulatory functions in relation to the requirements of the Fishery Acts and the EU Habitats Direct

The guidelines referred to and the exercise of its regulatory functions are operational matters for IFI, and I and my Department have no role.  IFI have established a dedicated e-mail address: [e-mail] where direct detailed queries may be made by members of the Oireachtas.