Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 396: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a salmon counter has been purchased for the River Boyne; the cost of same; when and where on the River Boyne it will be located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12990/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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As previously advised to the Deputy a partial fish counter on the river Boyne is located downstream of Navan at the Blackcastle weir. I am advised that in June 2008 the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board purchased a fish counter at a cost of €11,883. I understand that this counter currently acts as a back up to the Eastern Regional Board's five other counters in case of breakdown. It is planned that this counter will be made available to the Boyne in future should a suitable site be found.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board is to undertake a feasibility study to establish the best location on the Boyne for a counter. Just recently the Board secured funding for this study from the conservation component of the licence fee. I understand this study will get underway shortly. It is not possible until the feasibility study report is complete to estimate when a counter will be installed but subject to the recommendations of the study it could be during 2010 or 2011 subject to availability of funding.