Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Blackwater flows through Fermoy in County Cork. I raised this issue on various occasions in the Dáil with various Ministers, including the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton. The Minister may be aware that we have a major issue regarding Fermoy Weir, which incorporates a fish pass and mill race. The Office of Public Works, OPW, has washed its hands of the issue. There has been tremendous flood relief work. The OPW does not acknowledge that it may have exacerbated a problem, namely, the disintegration of the structure of Fermoy Weir. It even acknowledges in correspondence to me that when it was carrying out the Fermoy flood relief works, it was prepared, in co-operation with Fermoy Town Council, to undertake works but there has been a breakdown in the agreement. Cork County Council is now the owner of Fermoy Weir following the abolition of town councils. The bill for the proposed refurbishment and repair works is estimated at €1 million. Cork County Council is prepared to make a submission but my concern is whether the Government would underwrite the cost on the basis of a proper submission. I ask for the Minister's support on that.

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