Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:727. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding a specific project (details supplied) in County Cork. [10244/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 February 2017
Ceisteanna (727, 738)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:738. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the provision of funding for a specific project (details supplied) in County Cork. [10245/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 727 and 738 together.
Cork County Council is the authority responsible for carrying out works to the weir and for the funding of same. I understand that both a project to ensure a permanent solution to fish passage and a project to ensure temporary repairs, while the permanent solution is awaited, are required.
My Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland have been liaising with the Council to advise how any proposed works can be consistent with fisheries and environmental obligations, particularly the EU Habitats Directive. The engineering advisors of the Council and the Department have also agreed the essential details of the permanent proposals and the Department has agreed to the Council's temporary repair proposals.
Most recently, the Council has advised my Department that it is involved in land acquisition in respect of its permanent project proposals and, once this is complete, have undertaken to set out a timetable for the commencement and completion of works.
The Council have also advised the estimated project costs to my Department. Funding is entirely a matter for the Council, and funds for this and similar projects are not provided for within my Department's Vote. The Council have been advised that my Department is open to assist and advise from a fisheries and environmental perspective should the Council wish to make a case for a central funding provision to service the requirement for a permanent solution.