Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 1

Written Answers. - River Maigue Survey.

Willie O'Dea

Question:

299 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Minister of State at his Department announced in May 1995 that the River Maigue and its tributaries qualified for funding for a predevelopment assessment survey to be carried out during 1995; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that 19 months later work has not commenced on this survey; when the survey will commence; the length of time it will take to complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4221/97]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

A biological survey of the River Maigue in County Limerick has been approved as a project for funding under the tourism angling measure of the operational programme for tourism. Prior to undertaking the survey, which will cost in excess of £68,000, title to the fishery has to be established. This is required in order to protect investment under the tourism angling measure so that access for tourist anglers to the fishery is guaranteed after the biological survey and any necessary development works.

Title research has been completed on 177 miles of the Maigue catchment and this has shown that riparian owners have title to 120 miles and that only 14 miles of the catchment is in State ownership.

The manager of the Shannon regional fisheries board is currently in discussion with the riparian owners with a view to achieving agreement on access for tourist anglers. Pending resolution of this issue funding of the survey project is on hold. However, with goodwill from the riparian owners in the Maigue catchment, it should be possible to proceed with the project at an early date.