asked the Minister for the Marine the Act and legislation availed of by his Department in acquiring the rights to and ownership of the waters of Lough Corrib, County Galway and Lough Mask and Lough Conn, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Connacht Lakes.
185.
The waters in question have remained in public ownership and control since the foundation of the State and are available for the benefit and enjoyment of all the people.
It has been suggested that the angling licensing legislation has in some way affected the position in relation to the availability of fishing on these waters. This is emphatically not the case. A licence is required to fish but does not convey any right to the licensee other than those enjoyed by law. The State has of course through by-laws and other ways exercised control over fisheries both public and private in relation to matters such as close seasons in the interests of fishery conservation, management and improvement.