Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2102. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has received funding applications or requests from Cork County Council regarding maintenance, refurbishment or works of that nature to be carried out on Fermoy Weir; if so, the details of these requests; and the status of their progress. [34691/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2103. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of his Department's work to improve, enhance or maintain flood relief measures at Fermoy, County Cork. [34692/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2102 and 2103 together.
Cork County Council is the authority responsible for carrying out works to the weir and for the funding of same. My Department is not in a position to address the funding issues as it has no remit in that regard.
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. The Department’s role and that of its State Agency, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in this matter specifically relates to advising how any works proposed by, and to be undertaken by, the Council can be consistent with fisheries and environmental obligations.
My Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland have been liaising with the Council to advise how any proposed works can comply 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 an update on this issue has been sought. Last week, the Council have also advised an outline schedule and estimated costs for works. My Department has sought clarification on this in particular as to where it relates to the agreed permanent solution or solely to temporary works.
The Council has been advised consistently that funding for both the installation of a fish bypass channel and any temporary repairs are entirely a matter for the Council, and funds for these and similar projects are not provided for within my Department's Vote.
