Vol. 520 No. 2
68 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will meet the Killarney Valley Anglers Federation to discuss its opposition to the proposed regional catchment fishery plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15580/00]
I met representatives of Killarney anglers last month in Killarney and heard their concerns regarding the Laune-Lein catchment management project. I explained that the real issues of concern to them which were primarily identified as pollution, the need for reduction of commercial fishing effort and improved protection could be best addressed within the framework of catchment management. I also confirmed my willingness to support progress in a concrete way by providing funding through the framework of the catchment management initiative.
I have now provided the necessary funding towards financing the key initiatives of the catchment management group. I am advised that good progress is being made which will directly benefit salmon stocks in the Laune-Lein catchment. It is clearly in the interests of anglers, fishery owners, commercial fishermen and farmers alike to work together through the Laune-Lein catchment management process and I will continue to encourage that approach. The door is open to the anglers to rejoin that process and to play their part in, and benefit from, the good partnership process which is under way.
