Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of providing a fish counter at a bridge on a river (details supplied); the reason that this location was chosen; if he is satisfied that the counter is working effectively and that it will not lead to flooding in the area and the adjacent land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27463/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the South Western Regional Fisheries Board (SWRFB) that the installation of the fish counter referred to by the Deputy is not yet complete but will be operating effectively to capture the main run of salmon this season. The total cost of the counter has not yet matured but I understand the projected cost is expected to be close to €100,000.

The location was selected on the basis of the requirement to be sufficiently far down river to capture data on the run of fish to all tributaries. Access to the counter is important and this was influenced by the availability of publicly owned property at the site. I am informed by the SWRFB, which has overseen the installation of the fish counter that on engineering advice the effects on potential flooding upstream and downstream of the installation will be insignificant.