Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
164. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider a compensation package for draft net fishermen allowed to fish on tidal stretches of the River Feale as they have not been allowed to fish on the river since 2019 due to reduction in stock figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48069/23]
View answerCommercial salmon fishing licences are public licences which must be taken out annually under the provisions of the Fisheries Acts. Such licences are entirely permissive in nature, confer no rights on the licensee, are not the property of the holder nor can they be held on a permanent basis.
In that context the issue of compensation does not arise. In addition, given the nature of the public licences they are not inheritable or capable of transfer or sale.
In 2007, the Government established a €25m hardship scheme open to all holders of a commercial salmon licence. The majority of active fishers availed of payment under the measure and the scheme closed in 2008 with all funds expended.
There are no plans to re-introduce a similar scheme.
