Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017
1137. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the provision of a compensation package to buy out snap net fishermen on the river Nore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13835/17]
View answerThe Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following a Government decision in 2006 to cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery. Under the scheme, fishermen active in the commercial salmon fishery could opt to voluntarily cease fishing and undertake not to seek a licence in the future. Payments to individuals were based on verifiable track record and recorded catches in the five years prior to its introduction.
In excess of €25 million was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen, with a further €5 million provided for community development projects. The average payment to former fishermen under the scheme was some €23,000. The scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and ceased in 2008. I understand that all funds were expended and there are currently no plans to revisit such a scheme.
