Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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196. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an application was received to remove large amounts of sand from the area of the river Boyne adjacent to a club (detail supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48494/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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There is no specific prohibition within the Fisheries Acts, on landowners taking material, including sand, from rivers, however, the Fisheries Acts do make provision for the protection of fish and their habitat specifically in section 173 of the Inland Fisheries Act 1959.  In addition, section 131 of that Act relates to obstruction of the free passage of fish.

  Additional measures are also in place within other legislation that specifically relates to Irish provisions under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477/2011) and any works proposed or undertaken would need to take cognisance of all EU habitat protection requirements. 

Neither my Department nor Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has been made aware of any specific works in the area in question but IFI will be happy to discuss matters with stakeholders to assist in seeking to ensure there is no inadvertent contravention of the relevant fisheries statutory requirements.  In this regard, any person or organisation undertaking works should contact the local IFI Office.  

It is imperative for any person or organisation contemplating works to ensure that all the appropriate fisheries statutory provisions can be met before contemplating commencement of works and IFI can advise and assist in this regard.

Aside from statutory requirements in a fisheries context, it may also be important that consideration be given to the potential impact of such proposed works on adjoining lands and property.