asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that under the present arrangements for the opening of the salmon fishing season in South Kerry some rivers such as the Kenmare, Blackwater, etc., open during the first week of August whereas the Maine, Larne and Cromane rivers do not open until the first week in September; if he is aware that this difference in opening dates is causing great financial hardship to some of the fishermen; and if he will take steps to remedy the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Salmon Fishery Season.
15.
I am aware that there are different dates for the salmon fishing seasons in the estuaries of rivers in South Kerry. For any river, the dates take account of periods during which the salmon are likely to run. I am not aware that the fishermen suffer great financial hardship by reason of the different dates; on the contrary, the period closed to fishing is intended to conserve stocks for the benefit of all who have a stake in the particular river. If, in the case of any river, the Kerry Board of Fishery Conservators decide to submit to me a reasoned case indicating the existence of conditions that would warrant a change of fishing season I would consider having a public inquiry held into the matter.
Question No. 16 postponed.