I wish to address the ongoing need for the repair of the Fermoy Weir in my constituency of Cork East. I brought the matter to the Taoiseach's attention as recently as March, so I know he will be familiar with this situation, and I thank him for that. He will be aware the weir is a protected structure and a very important part of the river and the wider Blackwater region. However, he will also know that, unfortunately, the weir sustained considerable damage as a result of a flood event in 2016. During this flooding, the greatly increased flow through the breach eroded a section of the southern end of the weir. This threatened to scour the channel and undermine part of Fermoy's flood defences. It required urgent intervention by the Office of Public Works, OPW, to stabilise part of the foundation. This breach, unfortunately, had the effect of lowering the river level upstream, which significantly impacted upon those using the river for recreation and leisure. We have a very successful rowing club that uses the river on a permanent basis and its members find it very difficult to participate in their sport when the river is low.
Cork County Council began consultation on a project to remediate the weir in 2017. Following the consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, it was revealed that repairs to the weir would not achieve compliance with the habitats directive unless a new fish bypass channel was also constructed. The proposal for the installation of a fish pass, in addition to the full repair of the weir, is currently estimated at around €6 million. Planning permission for these remedial works was approved in February 2024 but, unfortunately, we are no closer to works beginning as funding cannot be secured. Cork County Council acknowledges the importance of this structure and its obligation to remediate the weir as a protected structure in its ownership. I understand from direct engagement with Cork County Council officials that it is willing to contribute greatly towards the cost of the overall works. However, the fish bypass channel element of the proposed upgrade accounts for the majority of proposed costs, at around €4 million, and involves the provision of new infrastructure beyond the resources of the local authority.
I understand that senior council officials have written to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to this as the original planning phase for this project was co-financed by that Department.
I recently met with the Minister of State with responsibility for nature, heritage and biodiversity, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, to discuss the matter, and I thank him for his engagement as we seek further discussion between the Department, the council, local stakeholders and public representatives.
With this in mind, will the Taoiseach please directly engage with the appropriate Ministers and with Cork County Council officials to ensure that Fermoy Weir is restored to its former glory sooner rather than later? It is an enormously important feature within the town, and one that Fermoy locals would love to see repaired at the earliest convenience.
