Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 4

Written Answers. - Inland Fisheries.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

50 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to initiate or co-operate with any other Department to protect inland waterways from pollution and encourage the propagation of the various species of fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8391/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

Under the Fisheries Acts, the central and regional fisheries boards have statutory responsibility for the protection and conservation of inland fisheries and for the development of angling for salmon, trout, coarse fish and sea fish. My colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government has responsibility for water quality generally. The two Departments maintain close liaison on key matters relating to water quality and the development of fisheries including respective catchment management strategies.

As part of a water quality action plan of my Department the Central Fisheries Board has established the Inland Fisheries Environmental Forum. The purpose of the forum is to provide a mechanism for improved information exchange and co-ordination between all agencies involved in water quality issues as they impact on fish life and fish habitat. The forum includes representatives of my Department, the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, relevant State agencies and other interest groups.

Under the tourism angling measure of the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994 to 1999, approximately £18 million was available for development work which included works designed to protect and enhance the fishery habitat of rivers and lakes. A further £24 million is available for recreational and tourism angling under the National Development Plan 2000 to 2006 and this will support investment to protect and develop fishery habitat and aquatic ecosystems.