John Ellis
Ceist:80 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for the Marine if he will implement section 39 of the Fisheries Act, 1980 regarding the public pier at Brickeen, Castlebaldwin, County Sligo on Lough Arrow. [9977/96]
Written Answers. - Fisheries Act, 1980.
I am aware of the difficulties being experienced by anglers in gaining access to Ballintines Pier at Brickeen on Lough Arrow. The North-Western Fisheries Board, which has been working to resolve the access difficulties, has advised that a public right of way cannot be proven.
Section 39 of the Fisheries Act, 1980 provides that the central or a regional fisheries board may apply to the Minister for an Order to be made creating a right of way by a particular route over any land to enable a board to perform statutory functions under the Act or to enable fishermen to gain access to fishing waters.
The North-Western Board however has advised that it has decided not to apply for a section 39 order to be made in this instance. The board's assessment is that Ballintines Pier is not a suitable access point for anglers generally although it is still willing to help negotiate an agreement with the landowner for limited access for existing users to the pier. Overall the board is looking strategically at the question of access for anglers to Lough Arrow and is actively pursuing an alternative and more suitable access point as well as options for improved access to the northern end of the lake from existing access points on the eastern shore.