Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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63. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if funding will be sought to carry out works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26838/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I am advised that, in response to an enquiry from a local land owner, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) carried out an assessment of the Skirdagh River concentrating on the area near the confluence of the Black Oak River (Newport River). As a result of the assessment IFI concluded that fish passage was not blocked and that the trees do not impact on the river. Consequently, IFI advise that there is no need for IFI to cut the trees back.

IFI are mindful that the Skirdagh river is in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is a designated salmonid river and IFI’s Senior Fisheries Environmental Officer has advised it is likely to contain pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera. IFI have provided a copy of their Appropriate Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures to the land owner. There is no application for funding on hands, however, the land owner may wish to consider preparing a submission for future funding through the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund.

If the landowner is interested in applying for IFI funding the local IFI Inspector (Bangor District) will be happy to discuss the most appropriate options and provide guidance through the process.