Vol. 484 No. 4
22 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if the programme of pike clearance from Loughs Mask, Carra and Corrib has been cleared by the European Commission; and, if so, when the programme will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22330/97]
A stock management programme which involves the removal of predators (including pike) from the western lakes is a key element of the EU-assisted development programme which is designed to restore the lakes as prime wild brown trout fisheries. The EU Commission has been kept fully informed of developments on this project, which is funded under the tourism angling measure of the Tourism Operational Programme. The development programme began in 1995, and to date over IR£1.2 million has been approved for the western lakes project.
The primary objective of the investment programme is to reverse the significant decline in brown trout stocks in these lakes. It is estimated that game angling visitors to the lakes could double over the next five years as a result of this development. The Western Lakes Monitoring and Advisory Group, which comprises representatives of the Marine Institute, the Western Regional Fisheries Board and the game and coarse angling representatives, monitors and advises on the detailed implementation of the programme.
In order to address concerns raised by pike anglers in relation to the stock management programme, an agreement was reached with their representatives which provides among other matters for the transfer of a number of pike to other suitable waters and for the promotion also of coarse angling in the western lakes. The Department and the Central Fisheries Board have recently confirmed their commitment to the full implementation of that agreement, in light of re-emerging expressions of concern about the stock management programme. A further review of the programme has been undertaken to ensure that all necessary systems are in place for its effective implementation. I am confident that the valuable consensus reached on the project can be maintained. The Commission, which had raised a number of questions about the programme, has, for its part, recently indicated its agreement to the implementation strategies now in place.
The western lakes project represents a real opportunity to restore the fisheries to their former glory with resultant economic benefit in terms of tourism angling jobs and revenue. I look forward to its successful completion.
