I propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 521 together.
I am satisfied that the Project Management Office (PMO) in Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has the appropriate staff compliment and expertise to facilitate and support instream fisheries enhancement projects undertaken by IFI and/or third parties.
My Department provided additional funding to IFI to facilitate the recruitment of Project Officers in the PMO and these posts are now an integral part of IFI funding and service provision. The Project Officers facilitate project promoters to ensure that correct and appropriate environmental and governance procedures are followed.
IFI are conscious at all times of the need and requirement to ensure a holistic approach to fisheries development that does not damage sensitive habitats or fauna. Earlier this year IF made an additional resource available to the PMO to further support the design elements of river habitat enhancement projects.
This additional appointee is involved, inter alia, in the design of certain river habitat enhancement projects, on OPW drained channels, that have been allocated funding. This support is aimed particularly towards applicants to overcome any perceived inability or uncertainty in progressing design elements. I am advised by IFI that it anticipates that the design and development of these projects will continue into 2020.
In 2017 IFI established a panel of environmental engineering consultants to carry out, if required, feasibility studies and engineering designs in environmentally sensitive habitats. To date IFI has not had to request that they prepare any instream fishery enhancement plans. Use of the panel is not obligatory and applicants are free to use other suitably qualified and insured consultants.
I can confirm that in 2018 IFI awarded funding to 3 instream fisheries enhancement projects. In 2019 IFI expects to award funding to 8 instream enhancement projects.
