Written answers

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Inland Fisheries

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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1082. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when dredging operations will commence in the hot water stretch of the River Shannon at Lanesborough, County Longford, to deal with the Asian clam infestation (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41379/14]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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1083. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that a project plan and its implementation will be delivered without delay to dredge the River Shannon at Lanesborough, County Longford, to remove the infestation of Asian clam in advance of the winter flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41419/14]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1082 and 1083 together.

I am advised that following the initial identification, by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), of the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea)in the ‘hot water’ stretch and ‘cut’ areas of Lough Ree at Lanesborough, early action was taken to install disinfection stations, erect warning signs and close the fishery to reduce the threat of further spread.

These were initial steps and IFI also conducted a comprehensive scientific survey of the scale of the infestation from Tarmonbarry to Lanesborough. This assessment was essential to provide critical information on the nature and extent of the infestation at Lanesborough to inform the consideration of further actions. However, it is important that all understand that Asian Clam, like many other aquatic invasive species, is extremely pervasive in the environment, and once in a water body it is likely that operations will be focused on managing the infestation rather than eradication.

As Deputies may be aware IFI does not have a statutory remit as regards alien invasive species but, nevertheless, is coordinating a comprehensive cross agency response to the infestation. Responding to this infestation will require co-ordinated action from a number of State agencies and IFI has been facilitating and chairing meetings of relevant Agencies since the 19th of September.

Informed by the results of the recent scientific survey, IFI coordinated the latest meeting on the 29th of October involving Waterways Ireland, IFI, the ESB, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bord Na Mona and Longford and Roscommon County Councils, at which a method statement for removal works was submitted by Waterways Ireland. This statement is being considered by the relevant agencies, including Statutory regulatory bodies. In the first instance it is anticipated that a trail dredge will take place in advance of a full scale dredging operation. In advance of this an EPA licence will be required for disposal of the dredged material and the classification of the materials will have a bearing on the method and cost of disposal.

At this point I understand that the overall cost of a full scale dredging operation has yet to be established, however, this will become clear once the material classification is available and it will be possible to accurately estimate the cost.

IFI and the other Agencies are committed to collaborative efforts to address the infestation at Lanesborough.

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