Green light for proposed works to Fermoy weir

THE Mayor of the County of Cork has welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant permission to the county council for proposed remedial works to the existing Fermoy weir and the construction of a new fish bypass on the River Blackwater.

Councillor Frank O’Flynn was commenting following the board’s ruling that, subject to compliance with conditions set out, the proposed development “would not have significant negative effects on the environment or the community in the vicinity, would not give rise to a risk of pollution” and “would not be detrimental to the visual or landscape amenities of the area”.

An Bord Pleanála also said it considered the proposed development “would not seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity; would not adversely impact on the cultural, archaeological, and built heritage of the area; and would not interfere with the existing land uses in the area”.

Mr O’Flynn said he welcomed the decision, adding that Cork County Council is currently reviewing the decision and associated conditions.

“They will now progress to preparing updated cost projections and tender documents in line with the terms of the grant of permission,” he said.

“While Cork County Council has made some provision for the cost of the remedial works to the weir, the significant additional cost of providing a new fish bypass will require support from Government. Council will then engage with the relevant departments and appraise them of anticipated costs.”

Fermoy weir was constructed in the early 19th century but has fallen into disrepair, with the rate of deterioration accelerating in recent years. 

Before commencing preparation of a planning application and associated environmental assessments for the scheme, the views of the public and relevant stakeholders were invited through a non-statutory consultation process in 2020.

There are seven conditions attached to An Bord Pleanála’s grant of permission for the development, including one which stipulates a qualified ecologist must be retained by the local authority to oversee the site setup and construction of the proposed development.