asked the Minister for Lands if, in order to facilitate the fishermen in the area, he will permit the salmon fishing season in the Ringsend estuary to commence in January of each year, and possibly close a month earlier, if desirable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ringsend Salmon Fishery.
Alteration in close season dates for fishing for salmon on the river Liffey must be effected by by-law. Before ordering the holding of a public inquiry which is an essential preliminary to the making of such a by-law I would require to be furnished with a prima facie case that the proposed change would be warranted.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will provide assistance by whatever methods are at his disposal for dealing with the serious menace to nets and the fish returns of the Ringsend fishermen arising from the activities of seals in the Ringsend estuary.
Control of predators on fish is part of the scheme of general fishery protection and is therefore a matter for consideration by the board of conservators concerned, in the first instance. Boards of conservators (including the Dublin board) operate a scheme for the destruction of fish predators, including seals. The scheme is financially subsidised by my Department.