Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
384. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on proposed funding and works for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1113/25]
View answerCork County Council is the owner of and has responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the weir in Fermoy.
This weir does not form part of the Fermoy Flood Relief Scheme works, completed to protect the Fermoy community from a 1% AEP fluvial flood event. The in-river works that were completed maintained a clearance between the works area and the weir, thus avoiding scheme works impacting on the weir. Accordingly, the OPW has no statutory responsibility for this weir, including its repair and maintenance.
In February 2024, An Bord Pleanála approved Cork County Council’s application for the proposed Fermoy Weir Remedial Works and Fish Bypass development. In the intervening period, the Council and their representatives have been liaising with OPW in relation to seeking the appropriate statutory consents and planning conditions required to progress this project.
I understand that the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has confirmed that his Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland have undertaken to support any application by Cork County Council for central funding in the context of fisheries and habitat issues related to the weir remedial works and fish bypass project.
