Written answers

Tuesday, 8 October 2019

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Inland Fisheries Ireland

Photo of Shane CassellsShane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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371. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason the instream enhancement project carried out in Trim, County Meath, in September 2018 by the OPW in connection with the local Inland Fisheries Ireland eastern region Drogheda section and supervised by the Trim anglers did not require planning from the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40578/19]

Photo of Shane CassellsShane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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372. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether it is best practice for Inland Fisheries Ireland's technical instream supervision for the OPW to be carried out by members of a local angling club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40579/19]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 371 and 372 together.

I understand that the project in question was delivered by the Office of Public Works (OPW) under legislation appropriate to that body and was undertaken following a request from the local angling club. In that context, the delivery of these works is a matter for the OPW and associated planning issues are also a matter for OPW in conjunction with the relevant Planning Authority.

I can confirm that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in discussion with OPW and in line with the agreement between OPW and IFI, assisted in the selection of habitat appropriate materials for the project.

I also understand that OPW assign professionally qualified staff to supervise works they undertake and undertake supervision in a diligent and responsible manner. I am advised that OPW consider requests from local stakeholders to observe the progress of project works.

The shared agreement between IFI and the OPW specifically identified that a small number of proposals could be examined annually within the Environmental River Enhancement Programme in the context of river enhancement. The Agreement also envisages the involvement of local clubs and I support any strategy to involve local stakeholders where feasible.

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