Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2018
496. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 22 November 2017, the progress made regarding the removal of a weir (details supplied). [49377/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of a judicial review and an agreement in the High Court between my Department and the owners of the weir, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are managing the works required and the owners of the weir will pay all reasonable associated costs. IFI are managing the removal of the structure so as to minimise the impact on flora, fauna and habitat in the river and to ensure the free and uninterrupted passage of migratory fish, as required by National and European legislation.
My Department and IFI have been advised that the works require an application under the Planning Acts. IFI have worked closely with consultant engineers and tendered for surveys of the site to secure topographical, architectural, archaeological, geomorphological, hydrological, and appropriate assessment reports. These surveys were required to compile the necessary information for the design and planning processes.
All surveys have been completed and I am advised that a planning notice regarding the weir is scheduled to be published this week, with submission of the planning file to Cork County Council expected two weeks later.
