THE question of funding funding for the repair of the weir and fish pass in Fermoy was raised on an adjournment debate in the Dáil by Cork East Fine Gael Deputy David Stanton.

When he raised the issue approximately one year ago, he said he was informed that a rock fish ramp was required.

"I understand this is no longer the case and the Department's scientific committee has indicated that the number of salmon upstream of the weir is surplus to quota," he said." Notwithstanding this, the weir in Fermoy needs to be repaired as a matter of urgency. The fish pass, although adequate, also needs to be repaired. Funding is required for both projects."

At long last, he said a flood relief scheme was being proceeded with in Fermoy. With workers, contractors and the Office of Public Works on the ground, this was an opportune time to carry out repair works on the fish pass and weir.

"I have been asked to bring to the attention of the Minister the concerns of Fermoy Rowing Club," he said. "I have been informed the Minister is aware of these concerns and has walked the Blackwater River and noted the issues that arise. The rowing club welcomes the proposed implementation of Phase 2 of the flood alleviation scheme and is cautiously optimistic that the Office of Public Works will address its needs and concerns."

Initially, he said the club was assured that the plans to erect a permanent, continuous 1.3 m high wall along the quay from the youth centre to the rowing club were open to qualification. The erection of such a wall would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the club to place boats on the river during regattas, training sessions and so forth. The club was seeking the erection of demountable walls or movable gates as part of the barrier to enable rowers to launch boats on the river.

In reply Minister of State Conor Lenihan said the weir is in the ownership of Fermoy Town Council. The council, which acquired the weir some years ago, was responsible, as were other weir owners, for the maintenance and upkeep of the weir.

"Following a complaint to the European Commission and technical studies taken thereafter, the town council is aware of the need to reduce the barrier effect of the weir on the migration of certain protected fish species, including salmon and lamprey, to ensure compliance with the EU habitats directive," he said.

Since taking up responsibility for the inland fisheries brief, he reviewed the approach to resolving the barrier to fish passage at Fermoy up to December 2009, he said. He was anxious that progress be made to deal with problems of fish passage and actively engaged with the town council on the matter as well as the local rowing club and angling interests in terms of how their needs could also be met.

"I listened carefully to the strong arguments of the council, local rowing club and anglers, that an alternative to the rockramp proposal would provide a viable solution to the issue of fish passage at Fermoy," he said.

He said he understood that the works on the weir did not contribute to the separate flood relief project. The costs were therefore not attributable or appropriate to that project, which was being funded and managed by the Office of Public Works.