Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
79. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made with respect to the proposed repair of the Fermoy Weir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11095/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCork County Council is the owner of, and has responsibility for, the maintenance and repair of the weir in Fermoy.
This weir does not form part of the Fermoy Flood Relief Scheme works, which were implemented to protect the community of Fermoy from a 1-in-100 year fluvial flood event. The in-river works that were completed as part of the Scheme maintained a clearance between the works area and the weir, thus preventing Scheme works from impacting on the weir. Accordingly, the OPW has no statutory responsibility specifically in relation to the weir in Fermoy, its repair or its maintenance.
In February 2024, An Bord Pleanála approved Cork County Council’s application for the proposed Fermoy Weir Remedial Works and Fish Bypass project. In the intervening period, the Council has received the necessary consent from the OPW to undertake ground-investigation works to progress this project. The Council are currently sourcing funding to commence these works and to initiate the main project.
As previously advised, I understand that, in 2018, the then Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications confirmed that his Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland would support an application by Cork County Council for central funding in the context of fisheries and habitat issues related to the weir remedial works and fish bypass project.
Once funding is in place and the ground investigations are complete, the OPW will continue to work with Cork County Council towards their progression of this project.
