Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 535: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding farmers being prevented from removing gravel from rivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22896/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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While works that could materially impact on rivers and river beds, such as the deepening or widening of the river bed, would require planning permission, other minor type works, such as the removal of accumulation of silt and debris (such as might accumulate after winter floods, for example) from a river and the restoration of the watercourse to its original condition would be classed as maintenance and would therefore not require permission.

In an area protected under the Habitats Regulations 1997 or the Wildlife Acts, such works could be a notified activity and might therefore require the consent of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I also understand that Inland Fisheries Ireland have powers and duties under the Fisheries Acts in relation to the protection of fish spawn, which could be affected by the removal of gravel: this is a matter that comes under the remit of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.