I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that statutory powers in relation to an installation, such as that referred to by the Deputy, under Section 123 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, relate to the requirements for gratings in watercourses diverted from rivers. Notwithstanding the fact that the gratings in question meet the legal requirements of Section 123 of the 1959 Act, IFI is aware that issues for the free passage of fish remain. IFI is particularly anxious to improve fish passage but many of the issues at this location are beyond the powers and remit of IFI.
IFI has worked and will continue to work with all stakeholders and in this regard I recently met with IFI and Fishery Owners Group who undertook to discuss matters with the owner of the installation to ascertain what if any accommodation could be agreed.