Estimate for Fermoy Weir and fish bypass standing at €5-6 million
An estimated €6 million will now be required to carry out works under the Fermoy Weir remediation and fish bypass, according to Cork County Council.
In 2019, costs for the project were estimated in the region of €4 million, however a noted increase due to inflation is now seeing the project require an extra €1-2 million.
News of this follows correspondence between Cork County Council and local activist Helen White, who alongside William Hughes, has been petitioning the council to get the works done and to see the Fermoy Weir restored to its former glory.
“The cost of works to Fermoy weir have increased and in 2019 works would have been estimated at €4 million. Now, with the cost of inflation on construction, these works could now be estimated at €6 million approximately. The weir will need strong political pressure for funding and this may prove difficult due to other department’s priorities,” Ms White said.
It was noted also that funding for works under the Fermoy Weir remediation and fish bypass cannot be sought until such time that planning permissions for the project have been granted.
FURTHER DELAY
Delays are also to be expected with the planning permission application regarding the weir as submitted to An Bord Pleanála, as Mr Hughes noted that other applications are being prioritised.
Having spoked to Cork County Council, the custodians for Fermoy Weir, Mr Hughes noted that planning applications for housing are being prioritised by the Board, which could see the application for the weir further delayed.
“Unfortunately we may see another year passed again with no works done on the weir. The weir brought so much revenue to the town and it saddens us to think that it is considered to be a low priority to An Bord Pleanála,” Mr Hughes added.