Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
492. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to consult with the fisheries board over plans to close Lough Sheelin near Finea, County Westmeath (details supplied) to course fishermen for a period leading up to trout season. [7597/16]
View answerI have been advised that Inland Fisheries Ireland advertised a public consultation from 17 February to 16 March 2016 to seek views on the introduction of a local by-law on Lough Sheelin (Managed Wild Brown Trout Fishery) to close angling for any species by rod and line from 13 October each year to the end of February of the next following year. This by-law is being sought to regulate a historical fishery management rule that is in place on Lough Sheelin. The fishery management rule currently in place prohibits fishing for any species by rod and line from 13 October to the end of February. There is no change in practice regarding this and regulating this rule under legislation ensures that it can be enforced more effectively. Fishing for all species has always been allowed during the open season from 1 March to 12 October on Lough Sheelin. These regulations have been in place for twenty years during the tenure of the then Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. This has been a widely recognised status for the lake and promoted through the angling guide leaflets and signage erected at Lough Sheelin.
