Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
493. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to contact the chief executive officer of Inland Fisheries Ireland (details supplied) to discuss the damage being done by the Asian clams infestation with the angling club. [7599/16]
View answerThe latest invitation from the Club (Lough Ree Angling Hub) was received by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on 14 April last in relation to a meeting proposed for 25 April in Lanesborough, which the Club advised would be an update on their work. The club also advised that the meeting was proposed on foot of a site visit by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), who have statutory responsibility for invasive species, including Asian Clam. The invitation also confirms that NPWS discussed matters with the local group.
I am advised that IFI will be represented at the meeting, from a fisheries perspective, by the Shannon Region Fisheries Inspector who is most familiar with the area.
IFI’s initial intervention in this issue primarily concentrated on its core statutory responsibilities as regards the protection conservation, development and promotion of the inland fisheries resource.
Upon notification, IFI promptly undertook work to reduce the threat of further spread from angling activity and equipment with appropriate bio-security measures put in place for anglers, and the fishery was re-opened. IFI contributed to the organisation of an international angling competition at Lanesborough aimed at showcasing the re-opened fishery. IFI also engaged, as a groundwork measure, in a scientific survey in the Lanesborough area which set out many of the physiognomies of the Asian Clam species.
While IFI has no statutory remit in relation to invasive species, I would be happy to facilitate a detailed briefing for the Deputy from IFI on interventions to date as they relate to matters within their remit.
