Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 2

Written Answers. - Pike Culling.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

72 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to a complaint to the EU regarding the culling of pike from Lough Mask, Lough Carra and Lough Corrib; if so, if this matter has been resolved; if clearance will be given to recommence the culling of pike in these lakes which is central to the agreed plan to redevelop these waters as prime salmonoid waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15870/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

A pike management programme is a key element of the EU-assisted development programme designed to restore the western lakes as prime wild brown trout fisheries.

The primary purpose of this investment programme, which includes stock and pre-development surveys, instream enhancement, water quality initiatives and an information/education programme, is to address the serious decline in wild brown trout stocks in these lakes. Over £1 million has been allocated to date under the Tourism Angling Measure of the Operational Programme for Tourism. The Western Regional Fisheries Board is primarily responsible for the implementation of the western lakes development project.

The proposed stock management strategy was fully informed by the results of a comprehensive stock survey in 1996 which confirmed the need for predator control programmes and was also the subject of an agreement with the Irish and UK pike angling federations.

I can confirm to the Deputy that complaints by various pike angling groups to the EU Commission were subsequently made on the stock management programme. A detailed response to those complaints has been sent to the Commission.

The response confirms formally the commitment to full implementation of the agreement reached with the pike angling federations and to arrange for an immediate review of the operation of the stock management strategy to ensure that all necessary systems are in place to ensure its effective implementation. Pending the outcome of the review the stock management element has been suspended. A meeting will be held between the Department, the Central Fisheries Board, the Western Regional Fisheries Board and angling interests to ensure optimum communication, transparency and consensus on the operation of the programme.

The European Commission has noted the actions taken by the Irish authorities and has communicated those to the complainants. At the Commission's request the stock management component of the programme will be discussed at the next meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Tourism Operational Programme and it is hoped that any possible outstanding concerns about this component of the vitally important western lakes project will be definitively addressed at that meeting.