Brian O'Shea
Ceist:177 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has to legalise the use of nylon nets for estuarial salmon fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17508/99]
Vol. 508 No. 1
177 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has to legalise the use of nylon nets for estuarial salmon fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17508/99]
179 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has to restore the salmon season in the Suir estuary to five days of 24 hours over the period 1 February to 15 August; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17510/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 179 together.
178 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has to introduce a voluntary buy-out scheme for persons holding a salmon fishing licence on the River Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17509/99]
There are no proposals at present for the State to introduce a voluntary buy-out scheme for persons holding salmon fishing licences on the River Suir.
I have provided funding of £200,000 in 1999 for a pilot scheme which could support specific projects to encourage a reduction in commercial salmon netting in catchment areas where salmon stocks are under particular pressure.
In order to progress the initiative, the regional fisheries boards were invited to develop proposals in consultation with local fisheries interests. The Southern Regional Fisheries Board, in particular, is working with my Department and local interests to finalise a detailed proposal.