Written Answers Nos. 150-170
150. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide information on the provision of policy advice for projects related to the development of green hydrogen projects; how the Government is supporting and encouraging the advancement of green hydrogen initiatives; the specific policy measures that are being considered to foster the growth of this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29506/23]
View answerHydrogen provides us with an incredible opportunity in Ireland. It provides the potential for long term storage of energy, the opportunity of dispatchable wind and solar power, the potential of chemical feedstocks, the potential of an export market and the opportunity to decarbonise some parts of high temperature processing. Ireland has one of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world and realising the full potential of this massive resource will be a major opportunity for Ireland, and for renewable hydrogen production. In response to the climate crisis and the current energy crisis, we must look to accelerate the delivery of renewable electricity, and the delivery of alternative fuels like hydrogen.
As set out in the 2023 Policy Statement on the Framework for Phase Two Offshore Wind, the Government has set an initial target of 2 GW of floating offshore wind to be in development by 2030, which may include the development of projects devoted to production of green hydrogen, to create the necessary environment to develop an indigenous hydrogen industry, and projects devoted to other non-grid uses. It is therefore currently anticipated that this 2 GW may not be connected in the traditional manner with Government welcoming and encouraging innovation from developers in this regard.
In 2022, my Department also launched a public consultation to gather views on the broad landscape of potential hydrogen supply, infrastructure, storage, and demand in Ireland, as well as the potential export opportunities for hydrogen. 126 responses were received to this consultation which reflects the momentum building behind renewable hydrogen in Ireland. A National Hydrogen Strategy is now being finalised and publication is expected shortly. The strategy will set out both the long term role envisioned for renewable hydrogen in Ireland, as well as a list of short term actions to be progressed over the coming years to enable development of the sector.
151. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his Department’s role in policy making on the provision of cybersecurity and data protection; the measures he is taking in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29781/23]
View answerCyber security, the protection of our IT systems, data services and communication networks, is vitally important to our economy and society. Disruption to our systems and personal data breaches are not only very expensive, they undermine trust and confidence in digital services and their providers. It is the Government’s role to develop policy and strategies which ensure Ireland can enjoy the full benefits of the digital transition. My Department works with a range of government departments, agencies, critical infrastructure operators and international partners to protect the security of key systems and data.
My Department also has responsibility for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The NCSC is the government’s operational unit for network and information security and acts as a central contact point in the event of a government or nationwide cybersecurity incident affecting the State. It serves a constituency including public bodies, critical national infrastructure operators from key sectors such as energy, transport, and health, as well as businesses, educational institutions, and others. It engages in a comprehensive set of tasks around cybersecurity, with a primary focus on securing government networks and securing Critical National Infrastructure. It encompasses the State’s National/Governmental Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE).
Responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024 also falls to my Department. This is a whole-of-Government strategy to address the growing threat of cyber security incidents, to ensure Ireland can benefit fully from the digital transformation. The Strategy includes 20 separate measures to safeguard public sector networks and essential services, to support the development of Ireland's cyber security industry and ensure we play our part in defending a free, open, secure and stable cyberspace. The Strategy acknowledges the cyber security challenges and opportunities associated with new and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). The importance of these technologies is highlighted in the Strategy's measures relating to national capacity building and support for cyber security research, development, and innovation.
My Department has recently conducted a Mid-Term Review of the Strategy which will be considered by Government very soon and published thereafter.
While Ireland has its own policies and legislation for governing cyber security, we also abide by the relevant legislation developed by the EU. The EU Network and Information Systems Directive 2016/1148 was signed into Irish law on 18 September 2018 by way of S.I. No. 360 of 2018 (also known as the NIS Directive). This represented a significant change in how countries in the EU approach cyber security and involves a shift in approach towards a more formal type of regulatory relationship for critical services including energy, drinking water, and banking.
Since this Directive was adopted, the threat landscape has evolved considerably and as a result, the European Commission (EC) has proposed a revised directive, “NIS 2”. The revision to the Network and Information Security Directive (NIS 2) is a major step forward for the cyber resilience in Europe and will enhance cyber risk management across the union including generating significant improvements in our capacity to respond to major incidents and developing the information-sharing platforms which are proving effective to date.
My Department will lead on the transposition of the Directive, but it will be a whole of Government effort to ensure Ireland fulfils its obligations. As part of this work, we will provide the NCSC with a clear statutory mandate and legal authority.
152. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline his engagement with Inland Fisheries Ireland conceding the impacts of the Bandon Fish Pass on the flow of the River Bandon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29836/23]
View answerThe issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my Department have any function.
IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
153. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to attend the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2023, where Ireland will present its Voluntary National Review; the concrete commitments he will make between now and then to ensure we are reaching the furthest behind first; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28429/23]
View answer154. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) published last month which assesses Ireland's progress on meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically the commitment to reach the furthest behind first; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28430/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
Leaving no-one behind is Ireland’s 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focus and the inspiration for the development of Ireland’s second Voluntary National Review (VNR) which I look forward to delivering at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in July.
This focus runs throughout the entire report as we reflect as a country on what we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic; areas where we are doing well; areas where improvement is required; and our progress in implementing the SDG targets for all people, reaching the furthest behind first.
It reflects Ireland’s strong economic recovery following the pandemic and our efforts to build back better guided by the SDGs and Agenda 2030. It comprehensively demonstrates the extensive suite of national policies which continue to be introduced to support and address the SDGs and their associated targets. These policies also ensure delivery across areas of national importance and provide strategic frameworks for progress and success.
I am aware of the report the Deputy refers to which builds on a chapter that Coalition 2030 were invited to contribute to the VNR.
We have adopted a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to implementing the SDGs, by embedding a framework into national and local government work to ensure a coherent system-wide approach, as well as greater dialogue and joined-up thinking between policy makers across sectors.
Ireland’s first National Implementation Plan provided a framework for Ireland to work towards implementing the SDGs, including through the support of national policies which contribute to meeting the Goals, and the facilitation of multi-stakeholder participation. The timing of this VNR coincides with Ireland’s second National Implementation Plan 2022 - 2024 for the SDGs building on the structures and mechanisms from the first Plan, developing and integrating additional approaches in areas identified through review and consultation that require further action.
As we enter the third Decade of Action for the SDGs, I recognise the urgency of moving into the next phase of implementation and the actions identified in the new Plan are essential to this transition.
155. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the current and capital budget allocations for each programme under each subhead of the revised estimates for 2023 in the manner provided in response to Parliamentary Question Nos. 10 and 11 of 30 March 2022. [29189/23]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table attached.
156. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline all the occasions on which a direction was given under section 40M subsection 2 of the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Carbon Revenue Levy) Act 2010 subsection 3; and to outline the manner in which he directed them. [29192/23]
View answerIn September 2010, the Carbon Revenue Levy Account was established by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), as provided for under the Electricity Regulation (Amendment)(Carbon Levy) Act 2010.
The Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Carbon Revenue Levy) Act 2010, Section 40M, subsection (3), states:
"(3) The Minister [for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources] may give a direction that such sums as the Minister may specify, with the prior consent of the Minister for [Public Expenditure and Reform], standing to the credit of the account referred to in subsection (1) shall be paid into or disposed of for the benefit of the Exchequer in such manner as the Minster may direct following consultation with the Minister of [Public Expenditure and Reform]."
In December 2013 direction was sent to the CRU to disperse €250,000 into an account established by the OPW for the Public Service Energy Campaign.
In March 2014 direction from the then Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the final balance on account was dispersed on 28 March 2014 as follows; €35 million to the newly established Energy Efficiency National Fund with the remaining funds returned directly to the Exchequer.
As at 31 March 2014, the only remaining balances on account related to the cash left available for the payment of €15,465 of audit fees to the C&AG. The Carbon Revenue Levy Account therefore had net assets of zero within the accounts, as at 31 March 2014.
Further details on the above are available in the Carbon Levy Revenue Report and Accounts for 2012 and the Cessation Accounts for the period 1 January 2013 to 31 March 2014 incorporating the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Report and Accounts which were laid before the Oireachtas on 3 July 2015.
157. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the cost of the subscription to the Energy Charter Treaty for 2023. [29193/23]
View answerThe national contribution for Ireland to the Budget of the Energy Charter Secretariat for the financial year 2023 is €44, 628. Ireland has not paid this contribution yet.
158. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the current status of the waste reduction levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29215/23]
View answerThe Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, which was enacted in 2022, makes provision for the introduction of a Waste Recovery Levy which, when implemented, will deliver on the commitment made in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy to introduce a Waste Recovery Levy.
This measure is intended to encourage higher value waste management practices by moving material management up the waste hierarchy away from waste disposal and recovery to more recycling and re-use and to encourage greater efforts to segregate waste at source.
My officials are currently working towards finalising draft regulations which will introduce the Recovery Levy at an initial rate of €10 per tonne from the 1st September this year with the existing Landfill Levy also being increased by €10 from that date.
Amounts raised from this Recovery Levy will be lodged to the Circular Economy Fund where they will be used to promote and support more sustainable waste management practices and the wider Circular Economy.
159. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has read the recent report by an organisation (details supplied) which calls for urgent political leadership from Government by moving the sustainable development goals unit from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to the Department of the Taoiseach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29275/23]
View answerI am aware of this report which builds on a chapter that Coalition 2030 were invited to contribute to Ireland’s 2023 Voluntary National Review (VNR) which I look forward to delivering at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in July.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a significant and ambitious framework. A whole-of-Government approach to implementation has been taken in Ireland. My Department leads on the delivery of 19 SDG targets: 3.9; 7.1; 7.2; 7.3; 8.4; 9.4; 11.6; 12.1; 12.2; 12.4; 12.5; 12.8; 12.c; 13.1; 13.2; 13.3; 13.a; 17.14 and 17.17.
Ireland’s Second National Implementation Plan for the SDGs, 2022 – 2024 was published in October 2022. The Plan was developed by my Department in collaboration with all Government Departments and key stakeholders and was also based on input from two public consultation processes. A key objective of the Plan is to achieve greater policy coherence for sustainable development with the aim of accelerating achievement of the SDGs at all levels of Government.
The Plan is supplemented by two supporting documents: an SDG policy map which identifies the lead Departments and relevant national policies for each of the 169 SDG targets; and a Policy Update document for each of the SDG targets. These documents are available at www.gov.ie/sdgs.
The Central Statistics Office, in collaboration with all Government Departments, has prepared as series of statistical publications which monitor and report on how Ireland is progressing towards meeting its targets under the 17 SDGs.
I am satisfied that this ‘whole-of-government’ approach to implementing the SDGs is working by effectively embedding a framework into national and local government work to ensure a coherent system-wide approach, as well as greater dialogue and joined-up thinking between policy makers across sectors.
160. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 21 March 2023, to outline if his Department has reclassified a premises (details supplied) for inclusion under the National Broadband Plan; if this reclassification has been formally transmitted to National Broadband Ireland; if not, when he expects these details to be transmitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29449/23]
View answerIn relation to the premises referred to in this Question and following on from the reply given to Question no. 216 of 21 March 2023, a detailed analysis undertaken by the Department’s technical team has confirmed that the premises referred to in the question is not currently capable of obtaining high-speed broadband through commercial means.
This premises had to go under a reclassification process which required a formal change procedure to be undertaken. This has now been completed and the next step is for this premises to be included in the next update to the NBI broadband map.
NBI identify new premises via Geo-directory Updates which are added to the NBP Intervention Area on a quarterly basis. NBI then undertake an assessment of the new premises and determine what is required for them to be connected to the NBI network in the area. Depending on the outcome of that assessment process the premises may be part of a future planned build programme, or there may be additional work required to connect the property to the network if the network build has already begun. The assessment will determine the date for final connection.
161. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the timeline for completion of a policy on geothermal energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29451/23]
View answer162. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline work undertaken by his Department to map the Dublin city area for geothermal energy potential; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29452/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
Geothermal Energy holds the potential to deliver secure, reliable, cost-effective renewable energy to heat and cool buildings, provide heat for industrial processes, and potentially generate power. Geothermal energy is “the heat beneath our feet” and has a significant role to play in how we decarbonise our energy systems, in particular our heat sector.
My Department is in the process of finalising a Policy Statement on geothermal energy which will summarise the proposed regulatory approach as well as the scope of a strategy to develop the geothermal energy sector. It is anticipated that the Statement will be submitted to the Government for its approval in the near future.
The Policy Statement will be effective for five years from 2023 to 2027 and its delivery will be assessed in relation to and determined by available resources and within the context of the regulatory framework. My Department will discuss the implementation of this policy statement at regular intervals with the Geothermal Energy Advisory Group. Following the adoption of the Statement, my Department will consult the Advisory Group in preparing a strategy for the greater deployment of geothermal energy in support of our climate goals and will take a strategic approach suited to the various types of geothermal systems.
My Department (Geological Survey Ireland, GSI), has also been involved in activities to better understand the geothermal energy potential in Dublin city, including drilling a 1 km bore hole in Grangegorman, and measuring a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, a promising result, at the base of the hole. A similar bore hole project is currently underway in Tallaght. The Department has also carried out costing exercises to calculate the current economics of deep geothermal energy projects in Dublin city. To encourage further development, a city-wide geophysical survey will be needed to close the knowledge gaps, as well as full-scale demonstration projects at key public buildings.
The Deputy may find useful the information contained in the following link, www.gsi.ie/en-ie/programmes-and-projects/geothermal/Pages/default.aspx, and in particular the 2020 report Geothermal Energy for District Heating, www.gsi.ie/en-ie/publications/Pages/Geothermal-Energy-for-District-Heating-in-Ireland.aspx, which was prepared by my Department under the Geothermal Programme. That Programme is working to quantify Ireland’s geothermal resources and to develop a National Geothermal Database of high-quality geothermal data. It has information available for home and business owners interested in geothermal energy, including geothermal suitability maps indicating which type of ground source heat collector is most compatible with the geology beneath specific sites.
163. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the powers he used to direct the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to use the 2009 special dividend from the ESB to subsidise the electricity bills of large energy users. [29462/23]
View answerIn 2009, the Government approved the taking of a special dividend from ESB and the then Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), now the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), was tasked with implementing this decision through the mechanism of the network tariffs.
It is important to note that the CRU was established as an independent statutory regulator by the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and enhanced under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002 and the Water Services (No.2), Act 2013.
In 2009 the Large Energy User (LEU) Customer Credits were introduced as a result of Government concern about the impact of energy prices on LEUs competitiveness given their substantial contribution to employment.
The CRU is legally independent in the performance of its functions and is entirely accountable to the Oireachtas for such performance.
164. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the implementation of circular 25/2016 by each State body under the aegis of his Department; and if he will provide, in tabular form, by State agency, the compliance with each of the standards and timelines set out in responding to Oireachtas Members’ queries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29473/23]
View answerWhen Circular 25/2016 was issued it was brought to the attention of all bodies under the aegis of my Department. My officials have also written to all relevant Bodies in the interim, most recently in February this year, to remind them of their obligations under the Circular.
However, I have no role in assessing the level of compliance in the bodies and as such, I do not have details of the compliance by each of the relevant bodies with each of the standards and timelines set out in responding to Oireachtas Members’ queries.
I would point out that the bodies under the aegis of my Department are committed to providing an efficient, timely, professional, and courteous service to all of their customers.
State Bodies provide and maintain a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members and the relevant contacts for the bodies under the aegis of my Department were given in reply to Question No. 149 of 1 June 2023.
165. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to remove the registration fee per product under the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29602/23]
View answer166. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the measures he is taking to ensure that the deposit return scheme does not importunately impact on small-scale drinks producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29603/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
In November 2021, the Deposit Return Scheme Regulations (S.I. No 599 of 2021) were signed. Under these Regulations, it is the responsibility of producers to establish and operate a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), to be funded by the following:
• Registration fees set by the approved body,
• Producer fees set by the approved body,
• Unredeemed deposits,
• Revenue derived from sale of returned containers, and
• Any other income sources created by the approved body.
In July 2022, I approved an application from Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG (trading as Re-turn) to operate as an approved body under the DRS Regulations. Re-turn is a new, not-for-profit company set up by beverage producers and retailers to meet their obligations under the DRS Regulations. Re-turn is responsible for all operational matters relating to the DRS, including the setting of registration and producer fees.
In January 2023, Re-turn published its producer fees on www.re-turn.ie/producer. Producers can register their products for free until 31 October 2023. From 1 November 2023, product registrations will incur a fee of €100.
I am aware of the concerns raised by small producers in relation to DRS. Re-turn are engaging with those producers and are in the process of considering what measures can be put in place to address those concerns.
167. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason no Angling Consultative Council of Ireland meetings were held under the auspices of the Inland Fisheries division from 26 July 2022 until 23 March 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29620/23]
View answerIt was proposed at the ACCI meeting held on 25 July 2022 that the next meeting of ACCI would be convened in September 2022.
In the intervening period, ACCI had made a request for support funding to be made available to ACCI members and, in light of same, it was agreed to hold the next meeting of ACCI after the Estimates and Budgetary processes were completed.
The intention was to reconvene ACCI meetings in Q1 2023. Once funding was secured by the Inland Fisheries Division and confirmed in mid Q1, a meeting was convened in March 2023 based on the availability of ACCI members and officials from the Inland Fisheries Division and inland Fisheries Ireland.
Further ACCI meetings were held in May and June 2023 and the next meeting is proposed for July 2023.
168. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if, when he signed the Western Fisheries Region Conservation of Trout Bye-Law No. 840, 2008 into law on 28 July 2008, it was his and his Department's intention for this legislation to regulate the number of mounted fishing rods that may be used by an individual or the number of mounted fishing rods in the possession of an individual when trolling for Atlantic salmon on Lough Corrib SAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29621/23]
View answerBye-Law No. 840 of 2008 (Conservation of Trout in Western Lakes) specifically addresses the concerns received by the then Western Regional Fisheries Board (WRFB) from angling stakeholders regarding the over-exploitation of trout in the Western Lakes and its tributaries.
At that time, conservation measures had been introduced to limit the number and size of fish of other species that could be caught, nationally or locally but trout was not afforded similar protection and remained vulnerable to human over-exploitation.
To ascertain specific angler concerns regarding the over-exploitation of trout, including ferox trout (which are genetically unique), the WRFB undertook a consultation process to underpin the drafting of a suite of Bye-Laws aimed at prohibiting a range of angling practices, prevalent in the region at that time, which were inconsistent with conservation.
Specific concerns emerged during consultation regarding the practice of fishing with multiple rods at any one time, particularly in the early season on spawning tributaries where mounted rods were often left unattended and spread over a long area of the shoreline. This practice resulted in unseasonable and undersize fish being easily caught and killed.
Trolling with multiple rods was also a significant angler concern where boats with up to five rods were trolling at any one time. The recommendation to limit the number of rods allowed to be in use by an angler when trolling, bait fishing or spinning and to limit the number of rods to have on board a boat when trolling or spinning in specified waters harmonised the legislation across a range of species.
Bye-Law No. 840 of 2008 (Trout), prohibits any person to use at any one time more than 2 rods or more than 4 artificial flies per rod when trolling and prohibits any individual to have on board any boat more than 3 mounted rods when bait fishing, spinning or trolling in the specified waters. The Bye-law was introduced to address angler concerns regarding Trout.
169. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate a date on which former workers at An Post can expect to receive an increase to their pensions, following an agreement reached in March 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29688/23]
View answerOn 9 March 2023 An Post wrote to my Department seeking consent to the second phase of their current pay agreement which provides for a 2% increase in pay from 1st January 2023. In addition to this, on foot of a recent Labour Court decision, An Post also wrote to my Department on 9 March seeking approval to make increases to pensions in payment and deferred pensions of a 5% increase from 1 January 2022 and a 1% increase from 1 July 2023.
In accordance with the relevant Code of Practice from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, An Post must seek Ministerial approval to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. As per Circular 16/2021, all such proposals require NewERA’s views, as well as a business case setting out the strategic, policy and financial rationale for the proposed increase. Circular 16/2021 states that pension approval requests should be submitted for approval well in advance of any decision to implement changes in acknowledgement of the necessary processes that must be completed and in order to ensure that pension increases are not unduly delayed. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.
Following receipt of the requests and associated documentation in recent weeks and months from An Post, the standard process is now being followed, with NewERA’s views and assessment by officials being required prior to the consent of both Ministers being sought. It is not possible to offer a precise timeframe at this point for when Ministerial consent will be given.
170. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the prospective compulsory purchase order of a facility (details supplied) in Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29756/23]
View answerDepartmental records indicate a proposition, from 2006, regarding the proposed purchase of the fishery by the Northern Regional Fisheries Board (NRFB), a predecessor of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), from the fishery owner. The proposal did not proceed beyond a preliminary stage and discussions. Ultimately the fishery owner did not consent to the sale.
I am advised by IFI that an alternative proposal for the NRFB and the owners to work together on managing the fishery was subsequently mooted.
No acquisition (compulsory or by agreement) was ever progressed or completed – a fact acknowledged in writing by the owners who pursued other options for their retained property. IFI and the Inland Fisheries Division of my Department advise that the matter has been closed for more than a decade.
