The Corrib system is the most important lake system in Ireland and comprises Loughs Carra, Mask and Corrib. Of the approximately 13 wild brown trout fisheries left internationally this is the most important. Under the tourism angling measure of the last tranche of European funding, moneys were committed for the restoration and redevelopment of this important international fishery, its spawning beds and tributaries.
It is almost a year since I raised this matter and the work carried out to date has been substantial and worthwhile. Fifty kilometres of low quality production waterways for restoration as habitats for trout spawning and nursery productions were put in place, a major scheme of placing stone and timber deflectors in the spawning streams was undertaken, pools with suitable habitats for juvenile and adult trout were constructed, riffle sections with head and tail pools large enough to hold spawning and juvenile trout were created, thousands of tonnes of suitable gravel were placed in selected areas to facilitate more spawning, overhead bank protection was put in place and 54 kilometres of waterway were fenced off to prevent cattle entering the river, trampling the bank and causing serious pollution.
The previous Government allocated £1 million to this under the tourism angling measure. The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Woods, allocated two subventions of £220,000 and £650,000 for the plan. Last October, the Western Regional Fisheries Board submitted a claim of £1.8 million for expenditure for 1999. No response has been received to date. The international consultant who reported on the validity of the works to date and who reanalysed the cost of finishing the job at about £5 million said it would be pointless wasting money on smaller schemes without completing this major flagship project. He complimented those involved – the Department, the workmen, the fisheries board, etc.
How much money decommitted under the tourism angling measure is available, and can it and other funds be directed towards this project for the remainder of 1999? I understand the new tranche of funds will not become available until 1 January 2000. Those involved in the fishing business expect expenditure of around £5 million over three years, but that is unrealistic. However, it would be realistic over five years.
I would like the Minister and the Minister of State to ensure this project is completed and the great western lakes, the largest freshwater body for wild brown trout in the world, are restored and preserved. The money spent in good faith and the good work carried out should not go to waste. The area has considerable marketing potential internationally. Bord Fáilte, individual operators, hotels and fishing people have a unique and wonderful facility to promote internationally. It affects the region in terms of the improvement of its economy because it is located in the heart of the 13 counties deemed eligible for Objective One status by Europe. It is an important element in creating an initiative for local people, boatmen, gillies, housewives, bed and breakfasts and fishing people, and for the enjoyment of those from home and abroad who avail of this wonderful facility.
Will the Minister of State confirm the Department is serious about completing this major project? Will he outline how much is left of the funds decommitted under the tourism angling measure? Will he indicate if there will be a new revised development plan which will allocate £1 million a year for the next five years from 2000?