Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2016
462. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to any additional regulation that will be imposed on Lough Sheelin, County Westmeath, regarding the reduction in the number of months in which anglers can fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33291/16]
View answerI have been informed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that the fishery management rule currently in place for Lough Sheelin prohibits fishing for any species by rod and line from 13 October to the end of February. This rule does not represent any change in practice. It has been in place for twenty years and has been promoted through angling guidance leaflets and signage erected at Lough Sheelin.
IFI recently conducted a public consultation with a view to introducing a local by-law on Lough Sheelin that would give this rule a legislative basis, thereby ensuring that it can be enforced more effectively.
Fishing for all species on Lough Sheelin has always been allowed during the open season from 1 March to 12 October each year.
