Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 3

Written Answers. - Fish Stock Numbers.

Enda Kenny

Question:

44 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the serious decline in the number of fish stock in Loughs Mask, Corrib and Conn; if he will outline, (1) the method he proposes to use to deal with the phenomenal increases in roach population in Loughs Corrib and Mask and (2) the measures he intends to pursue to reduce pike population and restore trout; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Dr. Woods)

I am aware of the very serious concern which has been expressed about the level of game fish stocks in Loughs Mask, Corrib and Conn and about the long term implications for these stocks of increases in the pike and roach populations in these lakes.

Primary responsibility for these matters rests with the Western Regional Fisheries Board. It is first and foremost a matter for the Western Fisheries Board to decide the priority it should give to addressing the concerns felt about the fisheries problems of the western lakes having regard to other demands and the resources available. The board have this year been allocated from central funds a total of £785,000. I understand that the board propose to commence work in the near future to tackle the problem on some of the affected area. However, the western lakes and their game fisheries are seen by many as a unique national asset. In this context, any major threat to their long term sustainability is of national concern. It would be unacceptable to me that, due either to a lack of resources or to any lack of co-operation between the various statutory agencies involved, the rehabilitation of these lakes should not be accorded sufficient attention.

I have accordingly directed my Department to discuss over the coming months with all the bodies involved, including tourist and angling organisations, the best means of pinpointing the scale and nature of the problems, the costs and benefits of addressing them and the options for meeting any additional resource requirements.