John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the provision of fencing at sites (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as part of the River Nore drainage scheme; if the re-seeding has been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30412/06]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The first batch of fabricated fencing is due to be delivered to Kilkenny within the next few days and work on the erection of the fencing will commence at the Dukesmeadow site in the very near future. Fencing of the Bishopsmeadows site will take place at a later stage owing to other works currently being undertaken in that area by the County Council on the construction of a riverside walk, cycle path and associated works.

On the advice of Kilkenny County Council and the wildlife ranger it has been decided not to re-seed the Bishopsmeadows site. This area is part of an SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and the wildlife ranger has advised that the wild flowers are now getting much better established since the start of the summer and the area is greening up satisfactorily. It is expected that the area will naturally re-establish itself within a short space of time. The area along the roadside is being maintained by the County Council and only the area within the Meadows is being left unmaintained as meadow grass.