Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 November 2014
246. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the powers Inland Fisheries Ireland have to enter private farm lands to access rivers and streams; if there are listed rivers and streams to which those powers apply and the legislation from which this power derives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42615/14]
View answerI am advised that section 296(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, as amended by Section 11 and Schedule 4 of the Fisheries Act 1980, provides powers to authorised officers of Inland Fisheries Ireland to enter onto any land for the purpose of protection of fisheries. This provision applies universally to fisheries for the purpose of protection and therefore is not limited to a prescribed list of fisheries or rivers. I am also advised that Section 296(2) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, prohibits the entry to any enclosed garden or any dwelling house or the curtilage thereof without a warrant, except where the ordinary road or passage to any weir, dam or dyke is through such garden or curtilage.
