Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 May 2012
98 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Ashlley Lodge, Leenane, Connemara, is one of the State assets being considered for sale; the uses this building is used for; the upkeep and other associated costs with this building each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24680/12]
View answerI have been advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland that Erriff fishery which is associated with Aasleagh Lodge is a very important salmon research facility having unique trapping facilities that facilitates counting and examination of fish without the fish having to be touched by human hand.
The Lodge itself is used for staff training purposes. There is a fisheries field staff base adjacent to the Lodge where staff are based all year around. The general upkeep costs associated with the building including heat, power, telephone maintenance and repair amounted to €12,206 in 2011. The Lodge also provides Bed and Breakfast accommodation during the angling season for visiting anglers and is linked to the fishery and to the sale of permits for salmon angling in the same seasonal period. The building is not among those identified to date for sale by the Government. Annual maintenance programmes are undertaken on the properties at Leenane including Aasleagh Lodge.
