David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the office of the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this important matter, namely, funding for the repair of the weir and fish pass in Fermoy, County Cork. I thank, in particular, the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, for coming before the House. I am aware of his personal interest in the matter and that he has visited Fermoy on occasion to familiarise himself with it.

When I raised this issue approximately one year ago, I was informed that a rock fish ramp was required. I understand this is no longer the case and the Department's scientific committee has indicated that the number of salmon upstream of the weir is surplus to quota. Notwithstanding this, the weir in Fermoy needs to be repaired as a matter of urgency. The fish pass, although adequate, also needs to be repaired. Funding is required for both projects.

At long last, a flood relief scheme is being proceeded with in Fermoy. I hope the new scheme will be as successful as the one in Mallow. With workers, contractors and the Office of Public Works on the ground, this is an opportune time to carry out repair works on the fish pass and weir.

I have been asked to bring to the attention of the Minister the concerns of Fermoy Rowing Club. I have been informed the Minister is aware of these concerns and has walked the Blackwater River and noted the issues that arise. The rowing club welcomes the proposed implementation of phase 2 of the flood alleviation scheme and is cautiously optimistic that the Office of Public Works will address its needs and concerns. Initially, the club was assured that the plans to erect a permanent, continuous 1.3 m high wall along the quay from the youth centre to the rowing club were open to qualification. The erection of such a wall would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the club to place boats on the river during regattas, training sessions and so forth. The club is seeking the erection of demountable walls or movable gates as part of the barrier to enable rowers to launch boats on the river. It wants this issue to be addressed in conjunction with the other works being undertaken in the area.

The minimum requirement is that any proposed permanent structure contain two breaks of at least 75 ft. each to facilitate daily training and the launch of boats during regattas. This clearance is needed to launch an eight person rowing boat which is 63 ft. in length. Any new permanent structure would compromise the club's slipway and require it to be extended and renovated. The rowing club understands from consultations with engineers that its proposals are feasible. I ask the Minister of State to raise the matter with the Office of Public Works to ensure all the relevant bodies come together. Fermoy Town Council and residents want these works which are both practical and possible to be carried out, as they would safeguard the rowing club, fish in the river and the beautiful weir, a landmark, of which the people of Fermoy and north County Cork are proud.

I hope the Minister of State will discuss this matter with his colleagues. Let us see sense because it was left unattended for long enough. The problem has almost been solved. I hope the Minister of State, with his pragmatic, practical way of doing things, will have the matter sorted out to allow us to move on.

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