Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
140. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department are aware that invasive carp have been found in Lough Corrib SAC, considering that on 26 July 2023, Inland Fisheries Ireland acknowledged through its social media platforms that a carp (Cyprinus carpio) was found in the lake (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42026/23]
View answer141. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department will provide additional financial support to Inland Fisheries Ireland in its stock management efforts to deal with a potential population explosion of recently introduced highly fecund carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Lough Corrib SAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42027/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
My officials have liaised with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on the matter highlighted by the Deputy.
IFI has informed me that one common carp (Cyprinus Carpio) was recorded in July 2023 in Lough Corrib during stock management operations. IFI have confirmed that no additional common carp have been recorded in fish stock surveys of the lake. Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) is one of four fish species listed as a non-native species subject to restrictions under Regulations 49 and 50 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations S.I. No. 477 of 2011. The management of any species in a particular fishery is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland in which neither I nor my Department have any function.
My Department will continue to support IFI as the State Agency with statutory responsibility for inland fisheries. As recently advised by my officials at a meeting of the Angling Consultative Council of Ireland, a review of bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their continued application will be commenced shortly. It is intended that bye-law 806 will be reviewed early in that process.
