Kingfisher nest, restrictions on river works, and opw question

brianiac

Hi, wondering if there are restrictions about where the OPW/anyone can undertake river works.
I am lucky to own a couple of acres with a small river going through it until it passes under a bridge and further downstream. I have a few kingfisher which pass through my bit but seem to nest downstream based on my own observations. Someone from the opw called to my other half saying they are doing some work along the downstream bit...I am not sure if they intend to come into my area. I don't want them to to be frank as I have had the inland fisheries ireland guys out recently and I intend to improve the river habitat for fish and consequently other wildlife. My impression is that the OPW is the antithesis of this.
I will ring them in the next day/2 but want to be forearmed. Any info would be much appreciated on...
1. Are there restrictions on riverbank works undertaken near nests? I can find some info online 're this but only from UK.
2. Are the opw entitled to come in and do what they like does anyone know?
Thanks for any info!

Zoo4m8

I don’t know what the position is re nest sites but in a recent incident where damage was done by OPW contractors the OPW said that landowner permission is not needed to enter land, “Section 38.1(a) of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 grants the commissioners of public works the authority to enter on any land for the purpose of carrying out designated maintenance work,
The OPW is not compelled to remove or level spoil. Staff employed in drainage maintenance strive to work in agreement with landowners “
The OPW are actively doing watercourse maintenance at the moment and with all the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in recent years I’d imagine it’s necessary work but it’s important to engage with them fully to minimize damage..

gzoladz

Out of ignorance...is there any nesting activity going on at this time of the year?

Birdnuts

brianiac wrote: »

Hi, wondering if there are restrictions about where the OPW/anyone can undertake river works.
I am lucky to own a couple of acres with a small river going through it until it passes under a bridge and further downstream. I have a few kingfisher which pass through my bit but seem to nest downstream based on my own observations. Someone from the opw called to my other half saying they are doing some work along the downstream bit...I am not sure if they intend to come into my area. I don't want them to to be frank as I have had the inland fisheries ireland guys out recently and I intend to improve the river habitat for fish and consequently other wildlife. My impression is that the OPW is the antithesis of this.
I will ring them in the next day/2 but want to be forearmed. Any info would be much appreciated on...
1. Are there restrictions on riverbank works undertaken near nests? I can find some info online 're this but only from UK.
2. Are the opw entitled to come in and do what they like does anyone know?
Thanks for any info!

https://connachttribune.ie/opw-accused-of-vandalism-in-terryland-river-works/

https://greennews.ie/the-bandon-river-under-construction-flood-relief/



Your right to be wary of that crowd. Their approach to our waterways is in many cases little short of environmental vandalism. You just have to see the footage online of their gutting of the lower Bandon River last year. They have also cynically signed up to the "All Ireland Pollinator Plan", - yet their operators on the ground continue to excessively remove with heavy machinery vast areas of natural habitat around our rivers and lakes. I would ban them from access to your place if at all possible

brianiac

thanks for the responses. and indeed the info re not being in a position to stop them coming on!
i texted the guy in the IFI (inland fisheries ireland) whob walked the river with me. He is saying that under the fisheries act they are prohibited from doing river works until next may as it is fish spawning season.
i do appreciate that where peoples houses are at risk etc appropriate river maintenance is necessary. I own ~300mt of the river bank on both sides, there is a golf course another 5-600mt up teh river but no housing close for at least 1km further on and the drop in the natural river level would mean that the area affected by flooding would be my own land.
I am not sure about nesting activity currently - was seeing them quite frequently 6 weeks ago but less often now (though saw one the other evening alright). perhaps the restriction on works near nesting sites is only during breeding season which is fair enough.
thanks

New Home

Not sure if this is their field at all, but I would ring the local NPWS ranger or Biodiversity Ireland to see what their take is on this, and if they have any advice.

fiacha

Birdwatch Ireland would also be able to give advise in relation to the protection of nesting habitat.

brianiac

thanks for the responses. Turns out there is no concern currently re flooding in area, they have a timetable of works for river clearing so intended on walking the land and just removing any large obstacles in the river flow. no biggie, but was good to know the situation in advance.