asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if in relation to the fish hatchery at Cong, County Mayo, he will give the following information; the designated purpose for which this hatchery was first initiated and set up; if his Department have given agreement that salmon smolts from this hatchery be sold to commercial enterprises; if he will indicate the purposes for which moneys accruing from such sales will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cong (Mayo) Fish Hatchery.
35.
The fish hatchery at Cong was set up to supplement salmon stocks in the Corrib catchment area and ultimately to contribute to the fisheries boards' finances through profit from sales. It was extended in 1981 to provide facilities for smolt rearing for fish farming.
The hatchery is owned by the Central Fisheries Board and is operated on their behalf by the Western Regional Fisheries Board. My Department have not received an application from the Central Fisheries Board to operate commercially at the hatchery.