Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:81 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the cost to date of the proposed catchment management plan in south Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6892/00]
Written Answers. - Catchment Management Project.
The catchment management pilot project in the Laune/Lein catchment in County Kerry has been progressing under the aegis of the South Western Regional Fisheries Board with the assistance of the Central Fisheries Board and an external facilitator. The south western board advises that it has spent a total of £20,555 to date on the pilot project.
The Laune/Leine catchment management project is one of six pilot projects under way at present as a means of testing and encouraging the catchment management concept at local level. The practical experience of these projects will inform the development of overall national guiding principles for catchment management which will take account of specific local and regional experience, in line with the principles enshrined in the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1999.
The members of the Laune leine catchment management group have agreed a draft management plan for restoration and sustainable development of salmon stocks in the catchment. The group is currently engaged in a wide ranging dissemination exercise to build consensus among all local interests in the catchment, including anglers currently outside the process.
I intend to meet the catchment group shortly to review progress and their request for financial support for the implementation phase.