9 June 2000

REPORT ON HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEMES LAUNCHED

Representatives from Government, Northern Ireland Electricity, the hydro power industry and the angling community attended a meeting in Dungannon last night to discuss the recommendations contained in an independent study of the impact of small hydro-electric schemes on river fisheries in Northern Ireland.

The report 'Small Hydro-Electric Schemes - Impact on River Fisheries in Northern Ireland' was prepared by consultants, Ballinderry Fish Hatchery Ltd, which were commissioned by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in association with Northern Ireland Electricity plc, to carry out a study of the impact on fisheries of six small hydro-electric schemes during the period from 2 June 1997 to 1 June 1999.

The main findings of the report reveal that:

• The six sites included many examples of best practice in terms of design and operation of modern hydro-electric schemes;
• However, some minor or major modifications were needed at all six sites;
• On completion of the proposed modifications (many of which have been completed or are underway), all six sites will have the capacity to be operated with minimal risk to fisheries.

The report makes 20 specific and 24 general recommendations on the operation of existing and future hydro-electric schemes. Areas covered by the recommendations include hydro project approval and control; the use of electric barriers; statutory closure periods; and proposed amendments to the existing fisheries legislation.

Interested parties are invited to submit their comments on the report's findings and recommendations.

Following the consultation period, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment plans to publish a Government response to the reports recommendations and the public comments received by the end of this year.

Copies of the report may be obtained from Energy Division, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Netherleigh, Massey Avenue, Belfast BT4 2JP. Telephone: (028) 9052 9279, Fax: (028) 9052 9549 or e-mail: energy@detini.gov.uk to whom comments should be sent, to arrive not later than Thursday, 31 August 2000.

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Government supported drive in the early to mid 1990s to promote the use of environmentally friendly renewable energy sources, as an important measure in the campaign to tackle the problem of climate change, led to the revival of small scale hydro-electric schemes on rivers in Northern Ireland. This revival was boosted by the award of a total of 11 contracts by Northern Ireland Electricity under the terms of two Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) Orders made by the then Department of Economic Development in 1994 and 1996.
2. Concerns were expressed, particularly within the angling fraternity, about the possible impact of modern hydro schemes on fish stocks in Northern Ireland rivers. In the light of these concerns, the Department of Economic Development and NIE decided to commission an independent study of the effects on fisheries of a representative sample of NFFO supported hydro schemes. Following a competitive process, Ballinderry Fish Hatchery Ltd, Cookstown, was awarded the contract to conduct this study which spanned the period June 1997 to June 1999.