asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he has met with delegations of net fishermen from the River Boyne and received their submission regarding the starting and finishing date for salmon net fishing on the River Boyne; if so, if he is prepared to give favourable consideration to their case; and his policy regarding other matters raised with him, i.e. number and transfer of licences.
Written Answers. - Boyne Net Fishermen.
242.
I met a delegation of salmon net fishermen from the River Boyne area on 7 September 1983 and I am having the matters raised by them examined in my Department. The position in regard to the main issues raised is as follows.
Salmon conservation measures in operation are kept under review in my Department and in that context the request for an extension to 12 September of the salmon fishing period in Drogheda fishery district is being considered.
The criteria of eligibility required of applicants for salmon net fishing licences are prescribed in the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 1980 (S.I. No. 360 of 1980) as amended. Under the Order salmon net licences are issued each year by the regional fisheries boards following consideration of the applications received. I am bringing the views of the delegation on the issue of licences in their area to the attention of the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board.
As I explained to the delegation at the meeting, the abatement of water pollution is primarily a matter for the attention of the Minister for the Environment and the local authority concerned. I have already communicated with the Minister about the disposal of effluent in the Boyne estuary.