Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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460.To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the necessary funding will be released by his Department to rebuild the weir and build the new fish pass on the blackwater river in Fermoy, County Cork. [33330/24]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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500.To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide a definitive date for works to start on the weir in Fermoy; and the amount spent to date, in tabular form. [32778/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 460 and 500 together.

Cork County Council has responsibility for the maintenance of the weir in Fermoy.

This weir did not form part of the works completed to protect the Fermoy community from its flood risk through the North and South Fermoy Flood Relief Schemes. The in-river works that formed part of these flood relief schemes maintained a clearance between the works area and the weir, thus avoiding scheme works impacting on the weir. Accordingly, the OPW has no statutory responsibility for this weir including its repair and maintenance.

The OPW understands in February this year, An Bord Pleanála granted planning approval for Cork County Council’s application for the proposed Fermoy Weir Remedial Works and Fish Bypass development. The Council and their representatives will be liaising with OPW with regard to seeking appropriate statutory consents during the course of the progression of this project.

I understand that the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications confirmed that Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland are amenable to supporting any application by Cork County Council for central funding in relation to the weir as it relates to relevant fisheries and habitat issues.