Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
703. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 is not being enforced at the Bohernabreena reservoir, despite representations on the matter from various fishing organisations; and the details of the difficulties being experienced in enforcement of the Act. [8264/20]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) makes every effort to enforce fisheries legislation at all times at all locations and to respond to reported breaches of this legislation. This includes Bohernabreena Reservoir, which is a drinking water reservoir and fishery controlled by Dublin City Council.
I am advised that this venue is subject to routine IFI fisheries protection patrols and recent enforcement actions have included the issuing of warnings and Fixed Charge Penalty Notices in relation to fisheries offences at the reservoir. It has been the case at times that patrols at this location were deemed unsafe under IFI’s Patrol Risk Assessment, however, in the majority of circumstances patrols have proceeded with all relevant risk minimisation measures in place.
As the Deputy will appreciate IFI’s enforcement remit is confined to the Fisheries Acts. However, IFI also regularly receives complaints from angling and other stakeholders relating to possible illegal angling activity, often in combination with anti-social and other illegal behaviour in which it has no enforcement vires. IFI also receives calls relating solely to potential public order offences at Bohernabreena Reservoir, all of which are passed on to an Garda Síochána.
IFI has also developed an excellent proactive working relationship with Gardaí, based locally at Tallaght Garda Station, in respect of coordinated enforcement at this location and has received assistance on a number of occasions when mobilising a response to reported illegal activity.
IFI staff intend to meet shortly with Garda members in Tallaght to further develop our collaborative approach to addressing the various issues reported from Bohernabreena Reservoir.
