Vol. 510 No. 3
117 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it has been alleged that no fishery protection officers are working to protect salmon on the Shannon and Mulcair rivers at Limerick and that salmon moving up to their spawning beds are very vulnerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22562/99]
The fisheries in question are in the possession of the Electricity Supply Board which is responsible under the Shannon Fisheries Act, 1935, for their management and protection. The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is responsible for promoting and encouraging the protection of the fisheries in its fisheries region which are not directly in its possession or care.
I am aware that concerns have been expressed by the Shannon board about current levels of protection in place for these fisheries. In light of these concerns, my Department is to request a report from the ESB on its present and future plans to ensure that salmon stocks in the lower Shannon are adequately protected. I will communicate further with the Deputy on receipt of this report.
