Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

South Tipperary County Council has located outfall pipes, with diffusers, for the new Carrick-on-Suir waste water treatment plant in the River Suir. Representatives of snap net fishermen who operate on the river expressed the view to the Department that the location of the outfall diffusers is likely to cause disruption to their operations by creating a snagging or fouling hazard for their nets. In light of these concerns, a report on the matter was obtained from the Department's engineering division. This report advised that the outfall diffusers and the associated navigation buoy would have an effect on snap net fishing but that this effect could only be described as minor. Specifically, the report was of the view that any effect would be limited to a comparatively small area in the local vicinity of the diffusers.

As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 81 of 10 March 2005, officials of the Department would be prepared to meet representatives of the fishermen concerned to afford them an opportunity to detail their concerns about the works in question. I understand this meeting, which will also be attended by officials of South Tipperary County Council, is scheduled to take place today. Careful consideration will be given to issues that the fishermen's representatives raise at the meeting. The formal granting of a licence under the Foreshore Acts in respect of the outfall is being finalised. I am anxious to have the matter resolved in the interests of all the parties concerned.

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