Written Answers. - Fishery Dispute.
John O'Leary
Question:
47
Mr. O'Leary
asked the
Minister for Finance
the up to date position regarding proposals to settle the fishery dispute between local anglers and the organisation appointed by the Office of Public Works to operate and control the fishing rights on that part of the River Laune which is owned by the Office of Public Works as part of the Killarney National Park, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The fishery was part of the gift to the nation of the Muckross Estate made by Senator Arthur Vincent in 1932. The fishery itself is, however, outside the boundaries of the National Park. In view of this and in order to allow park staff concentrate on park-related duties, the Office of Public Works agreed to grant a letting of the fishery to the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) for a trial period of two years. This arrangement provides an opportunity for the development of the fishery by the body with the greatest level of expertise in this area.
The agreement requires that the same level of access for the general public is to be maintained as heretofore. In this regard, the Office of Public Works agreed that the CFB would sublease parts of the fishery to the Regional Fisheries Board and to a local angling club (The Laune Salmon Anglers Association), both of which are obliged to maintain the level of public access. This arrangement is, as stated above, for a trial period only and will be subject to review. The Office of Public Works therefore continues to have control over the way the fishery is managed. The agreed arrangements came into operation on 1 January, 1992.
This arrangement has proven to be very satisfactory to date; both the Regional Fisheries Board and the Laune Anglers have carried out improvements to the fishery and further development works are being planned at present.
The dispute to which the Deputy refers involves three fishermen who are protesting that they cannot fish on the fishery other than on payment of a daily permit fee of £8. This fee is reasonable in comparison with the daily rates charged in other fisheries. There is no problem with them fishing these waters on payment of this fee, as the fishery is open to all visitors at this rate.
There was a season permit system in operation previously when the Office of Public Works controlled the fishery directly. This was very limited in scope and the days on which fishing could take place under the permit was limited. Furthermore, there was no guarantee that any individual would be allocated such a permit each year, or at all. The vast majority of permits issued by the Office of Public Works were day permits. The season permit arrangement was not feasible if the proper development of the fishery as an amenity resource was to be undertaken by the Central Fisheries Board and the sublessees.
While it is unfortunate that this small number of individuals are not happy with the arrangements, I have to say that all the parties to the new arrangements are very pleased with the progress made to date on improving the fishery, which has made it possible for more people to fish there in improved conditions without detriment to the resource. I am satisfied, therefore, that the present arrangements are the most appropriate for the proper development of the fishery for the benefit of the public as a whole.
