Inland Fisheries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023

Thursday, 26 October 2023

Questions (119, 122)

Noel Grealish

Question:

119. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the review of Inland Fisheries bylaws, which are in force for ten years or more, and their continued application, will be commenced, considering his statement on 28 September 2023; what the terms of reference for the review are; what parties will be part of the review; if current Inland Fisheries bylaws will be stress-tested vis-à-vis the EU Habitats and Water Framework Directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47076/23]

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

122. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the review into the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 will commence, considering that both bylaws protect and conserve invasive and non-native freshwater fish in Lough Corrib SAC, which is completely at odds with Ireland’s legal obligations under the EU habitats directive (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47127/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 122 together.

As I recently advised to the Deputy on 28 September 2023, my Department, in consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) will carry out a review of relevant inland fisheries bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their continued application.

This review is being undertaken in conjunction with the proposed introduction of the Western Lakes Management Plan which IFI has, at my request, managed specifically for the 7 Western Lakes, including Lough Corrib, in the context of the Programme for Government.

This review process has recently commenced, and Inland Fisheries Ireland are currently reviewing the Western Fisheries Region Conservation of Trout Byelaw No. 840, 2008. An amending draft Byelaw on the Clare River has gone through the mandatory Public Consultation process, and I am awaiting a report of the findings of the process from IFI.  

Other older bye-laws eligible for review - including Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 - will be examined in due course. The review process, will, of course, take into account relevant legal acts of the European Union.