asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry (i) why shooting rights on Lough Mask were granted to one individual; (ii) if he will meet a deputation from local interested bodies relating to this matter; (iii) the reasons for his refusal to declare the lake a total sanctuary and if he will now take steps to do so.
Written Answers. - Lough Mask Shooting.
478.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to his previous question on this subject (Official Report, volume 310, No. 9, dated 14 December 1978).
The lengthy efforts by my Department to reconcile conflicting interests in this matter have failed and it has been necessary to abandon proposals for the creation of a sanctuary.
I have granted permission under section 30 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, to one individual to shoot over part of the lake on one day per week during the shooting season. The individual is a recognised tourist shoot operator whose livelihood is involved. With this exception the concept of a sanctuary as sought by the Regional Game Council is being achieved in the area.
I will be prepared to meet a deputation of local interested bodies, if they so desire, to discuss the situation further.