Inland Fisheries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2017

Tuesday, 24 January 2017

Questions (561)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

561. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to reopen the trout hatchery at Mallow, County Cork. [3128/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The former South Western Regional Fisheries Board, a predecessor of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), operated a very small-scale enhancement hatchery in Mallow which ceased operation some 20 years ago. Similar small-scale hatcheries in other parts of the country also ceased operation.

These small-scale hatcheries would not meet current environmental standards and it is not intended to reinstate any of these facilities including the former limited hatchery operation at Mallow.

Existing hatchery operations are being reviewed by IFI. 

IFI generally follows best international practice in maximising the protection and improvement of habitats to enhance the natural reproductive cycle of wild fish and in minimising other interventions.