Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
334. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when it is intended to replace the temporary boulders at the fish pass in Bandon with a permanent structure; the estimated cost of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34823/23]
View answerThe Bandon Flood Relief Scheme was substantially completed on 16th October 2020.
A number of minor works to address elements identified during construction, which were outside the main construction contract, remain to be completed and are being progressed in separate works packages. Works to install the railing adjacent to the ‘Stretch’ Walkway have commenced and are due to be complete in Quarter 3 of 2023.
In March 2021, the OPW became aware that the boulders, rock and gravel material that formed the bed of the fish pass ramp had deteriorated, possibly as a result of extreme flows in the river in February 2021. The OPW immediately carried out inspections, accompanied by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) representatives and the fisheries’ specialist for the Project which identified serious deterioration of the rock and gravel bed materials used in the construction of the fish pass, over its full length.
Emergency works were carried out to solve the immediate problem with further temporary repair works being carried out in September 2022 to ensure fish passage is not impacted.
Investigations to find a longer-term solution are ongoing, with a view to fully rectifying the issue in due course.
