Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2014
132. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if funding will be made available for a project (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28767/14]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that earlier this year I launched three development funds from IFI, totaling €410,000, aimed at supporting angling development and promoting conservation works. Each of the three funds has specific eligibility criteria attached and were generated from the angling community. The Salmon Conservation Fund, derived from the conservation stamp portion of the salmon and sea trout licence, is restricted to projects which benefit salmon conservation and is focused on Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) and on salmon rivers that require most development. The Midlands Fisheries Fund is derived from the midland permits charge paid by anglers and beneficiaries are restricted to the geographic area which this permit charge covers. The Co-op fund is the redistribution of residual funds from the Trout and Coarse Fish Development Societies accounts at the time of their dissolution. It was agreed that Co-op funds would be ring fenced and returned to the areas from which they were generated. I am advised that the application for funding for the Ballyleague Development Project is being considered from this fund. However I am further advised that, currently, the assessment process has not been completed. The assessment process will be completed in the coming weeks and I will advise the Deputy of the outcome in due course.
