Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
458 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of a fish counter on the River Fergus, Ennis, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25126/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that a planning application was made to the Local Authority in July 2010. The proposal was for construction of a weir on the River Fergus and, at the request of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the proposal included a fish counter.
While an initial decision to grant planning permission was made in January 2011, on appeal, planning permission was refused by An Bord Pleanála.
The River Fergus fish counter remains a high priority with the IFI and since the planning application was refused further consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has taken place in order to progress the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.
It is hoped these discussions will facilitate the carrying out of works that will incorporate a Lamprey pass, which was of concern to the NPWS, and the fish counter.
