Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 4

Written Answers. - Lough Doon.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

78 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make finances available to the North Western Regional Fisheries Board to allow them to purchase Lough Doon, Newtownmanor Dromahair, County Lei trim; and if he will give them financial support. [18947/00]

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

The North Western Regional Fisheries Board (NWRFB) has submitted a proposal to my Department for the purchase of Lough Doon, County Leitrim. While existing policy does not provide as a general rule for the acquisition by the State of fisheries, proposals for the purchase by the State of strategic sports fisheries have been taken forward under the tourism angling measure, TAM, 1994-99, subject to full compliance with the guidelines for the acquisition of fisheries.

Funding of £24 million has been allocated by the Government for tourism and recreational angling under the National Development Plan, NDP, 2000-06. Of this amount, £17 million has been allocated for the Border, midlands and west ern regional operational programme. The detailed arrangements for the expenditure of this funding will be finalised following EU approval. The north-western board will have the opportunity to submit an application for funding the purchase of Lough Doon when the various measures within the NDP are in place later this year.