Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
37. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the hardship scheme for draft net fishing on the river Boyne is still open for applicants; if the scheme has been updated in any form; if he will provide details of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51358/23]
View answerIn 2007, the Government established a €25m hardship scheme open to all holders of a commercial salmon licence. In relation to such schemes, as no fishing or property rights are conferred on the holder of an annual licence, the issue of “buyout” or compensation does not arise. The majority of active fisherpersons availed of payment under the measure and the scheme closed in 2008 with all funds expended.
There are no plans to reintroduce a similar scheme.
