Vol. 497 No. 3
71 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the development of the Easkey river, County Sligo, for tourist and domestic angling recreational purposes; the Central Fisheries Board's policy in relation to the compulsory purchase of the privately owned Fortland estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25105/98]
The overall development of the national inland fisheries resource, including the River Easkey, for tourist and domestic angling recreational purposes is highly desirable and is a matter primarily for the regional fisheries boards under the Fisheries Act, 1980. I understand that the Central Fisheries Board held discussions some years ago with the owners of the Fortland Estate in relation to the acquisition of that particular fishery but that no agreement was reached. I understand that the matter was not subsequently pursued by the board.
