Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 6

Written Answers. - Inland Fisheries.

Madeleine Taylor-Quinn

Ceist:

63 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has for the development and promotion of inland fisheries; the improved facilities which are being put in place; and the location and type of restocking which is currently being carried out.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

The development plans for inland fisheries comprise rehabilitation, protection, conservation and infrastructural improvement works. The fisheries boards and Bord Fáilte promote and market inland fisheries.

Development plans are agreed and implemented by the central and regional fisheries boards and my Department. Schemes which encourage and support fisheries development are being availed of as far as possible. In the present year there are 70 projects approved under the International Fund for Ireland (IFI); 36 projects approved under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); and during the month of February projects will be approved under the EC Structural Funding Programme. Four important development projects have to date been put forward by my Department for approval under the EC programme for cross-Border co-operation. Matching finance is being provided by the fisheries boards for projects in their respective regions and this year I have provided for an increase in the budgets. Funds from local sources are also being raised.

Protection is a very important aspect of fisheries development and recently I launched 11 new surveillance boats which will make inshore protection very effective. Improved facilities being provided will include access to fisheries, car parking, fishing stands, bank clearance, signposting, spawning areas and improved habitats for fish stocks, and protection of fisheries will also be significantly improved in the coming year. In addition to these developments a three year programme for the development of fishing on the canals will commence this year.

There is an ongoing programme of restocking carried out by the Central Fisheries Board, the ESB and the Salmon Research Trust in many locations throughout the country. If the Deputy wishes to have information about any particular location the local regional fisheries board manager will be able to supply details.