Vol. 455 No. 1
177 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has for the development of fishing facilities on the country's rivers and lakes; if he will confirm the availability of funds to develop the rivers Glyde and Dee in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11763/95]
Responsibility for the development of fishing facilities on our rivers and lakes, among other matters, is vested in the Central and seven Regional Fisheries Boards which are independent bodies established under the Fisheries Acts. In particular, the development of the rivers Glyde and Dee is a matter for the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board.
The Deputy may wish to be aware, however, that the development of the tourism angling potential of our rivers and lakes is the primary objective of the Tourism Angling Measure of the Operational Programme for Tourism. This measure, which is administered by the Central Fisheries Board, provides for a comprehensive investment programme in the tourism angling product totalling almost £19 million over the six year period 1994 to 1999. The first tranche of 1995 projects was announced in April and includes an investment of £15,000 in a pre-development survey of the River Dee. The River Dee development project submitted by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board will be assessed in light of this survey.
