Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - Fishing Rights.

Hugh Byrne

Question:

246 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the defunct Irish Land Commission still holds the fishing rights to the Aughnagroagh River, County Wexford; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the Central Fisheries Board is anxious to take these rights in view of an agreement between the Irish Land Commission and the Central Fisheries Board; if he will ensure this handover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12259/97]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The Irish Land Commission (Dissolution) Act, 1992, as currently framed, provides for the transfer to the Central Fisheries Board of all fisheries and fishing rights in the possession of the Land Commission on its dissolution.Although this Act has not yet been brought into operation for legal reasons related to ongoing litigation, the Central Fisheries Board has, since 1989, enjoyed the beneficial interest in all Land Commission fisheries and fishing rights under an agreement dated 14 July 1989 between the board and the Land Commission. Moreover, my Department has advised the Central Fisheries Board that it will arrange for the transfer to it of specific fisheries or fishing rights which are identified as being of particular interest provided the maps and other documents required for such transfer can be provided.