Vol. 204 No. 7
asked the Minister for Lands if he will arrange a conference under the chairmanship of his Parliamentary Secretary between the ESB and Birr Anglers' Association in order to solve many local unpleasant differences as a result of the proposed salmon pools on portions of the Brosna River.
51.
asked the Minister for Lands if he has had complaints from Birr Anglers' Association in regard to the proposal of the ESB to establish salmon pools on portions of the River Brosna; if his attention has been directed to the fact that, in order to fish this river for trout, anglers have been instructed to take out a £3 salmon fishing licence; and if he will see to it that members of Birr Anglers' Association are in no way prevented from fishing the river as they have always done.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.
Anglers are required to take out salmon rod licences only if they fish in waters frequented by salmon and use lures and gear capable of catching salmon. A difficulty has arisen in relation to the Little Brosna where the species of lake trout known as "croneen" closely resemble salmon in habits and may be caught with the same lures and gear. Thus there is the possibility that anglers fishing indiscriminately for "croneen" may catch salmon which are appearing in the river in increasing numbers.
After representations made to me by Deputy K.P. Egan, I arranged a conference in Birr which took place on 4th July of members of the liaison committee set up by me to advise on development of the Shannon fisheries, representatives of the Limerick Board of Conservators and the local anglers to discuss means by which angling for trout could lawfully be carried on without detriment to the salmon fishing. Following that discussion, I understand that, for the present season at any rate, anglers using fly only will be regarded as fishing for "croneen". This should go a fair distance to meet the wishes of the local anglers.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary must have been informed by Deputy K. Egan of the anger prevailing among all the anglers who objected to any portion of the Brosna river being converted into a salmon pool? Is he not aware that these anglers normally fish this river for trout and not salmon, and is he prepared to take action in view of the instructions already issued that fishermen engaging in trout fishing must have a salmon licence in order to continue to fish for trout? What has the Parliamentary Secretary to say in regard to an angler who may go trout fishing and if he has a suitable bait which the salmon take, is that his responsibility? He is fishing for trout and if he catches a salmon, naturally he will put the salmon back. Surely the Parliamentary Secretary will give special consideration to this matter?
To put matters in proper perspective—on 14th June a meeting was held in the area, at which Deputy K. Egan and Deputy Flanagan attended. On 16th June, Deputy K. Egan wrote to me and made strong representations that there should be a discussion between officers of my Department and local anglers. I heard nothing from Deputy Flanagan. On 4th July, a conference took place in Birr between local anglers and officers of my Department. Following that, certain arrangements suitable to all concerned have been reached and we now have a question form Deputy Flanagan on 16th July, a month after the first meeting.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that the conference which was arranged at the instance of Deputy K. Egan did not prove to have the successful results it was said to have and that representations have now been made to me by Mr. Frederick Ryan on behalf of the anglers indicating dissatisfaction with the conference?
Where is Deputy Egan now?
He made a mess of it.
May I raise this matter on the Adjournment?
I shall communicate with the Deputy during the afternoon.
