Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

Fish Migration and Barriers to Migration: Discussion (Resumed)

Photo of Darren O'RourkeDarren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will pick on the last point. It has been mentioned that the OPW has been engaged in these practices for decades. I think Mr. Ó Dónaill mentioned that the approach of the OPW has changed considerably compared to 20 years ago. The witnesses referenced the guidance issued in 2021. Can they sketch out how the approach today differs compared to years ago? What is the driver of that? Is it European or national policy? Is it the new dispensation within the OPW? What are the considerations regarding individual projects? I am looking at the OPW's guidance. With decision three, one is looking at ownership and access, habitat value upstream and site requirements. How does the OPW weigh those individual elements project by project? I guess the concern would be that the tendency would be towards a heavily engineered solution. How does the OPW weigh those different factors regarding the consideration of nature-based solutions or more environmentally-friendly solutions?

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