Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Salmon Licences.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

187 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will introduce a buyout scheme where salmon fishermen in the Suir estuary will be compensated for surrendering their fishing licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8886/98]

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

I can advise the Deputy that there are no plans at present for the Exchequer to buy out commercial salmon licences on the River Suir or elsewhere.

My immediate policy priority is to continue to progress the salmon conservation and management strategies which I announced earlier in the year in order to ensure the survival and restoration of salmon stocks in their own right and in the interests of all legitimate stakeholders in the resource. A key component of those strategies is the move to the catchment management approach. Within that framework the local requirements and concerns of commercial and recreational fishermen in specific catchments will be addressed through participation and involvement in conservation and development plans for the resource.