Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 5

Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

72 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he has for a set aside or permanent set aside for drift, draft and net salmon fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29370/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

Funding has been provided in my Department's Vote since 2000 to encourage the development of pilot schemes at catchment level to give an incentive to the reduction of the commercial salmon fishing effort. It is stated policy that the context for any such schemes will be strictly catchment based, voluntary and locally driven and based on matching funding from all players at realistic levels. The regional fisheries boards have been asked to lead and encourage pilot schemes. Take up has been disappointing but this reflects the complexities and difficulties involved in brokering consensus at local level.

In 2000, one pilot scheme for voluntary set-aside of salmon fishing engines was agreed. The scheme involves the set-aside of draft nets and a fixed fishing engine on the Munster Blackwater. The pilot scheme is intended to operate for a period of five years, that is, 2000 to 2004. The proposal has been developed in consultations involving my Department, the Blackwater salmon development group, the Southern Regional Fisheries Board and the Marine Institute. The Southern Regional Fisheries Board administers the scheme on behalf of the Department.

This pilot scheme does not encompass the drift net licence holders. A separate set-aside proposal for drift nets has been developed by the Southern Regional Fisheries Board working with the Blackwater Salmon Development Group. I met the group recently to discuss their proposals and emphasised the need to ensure value for money in finalising the scheme. Discussions are continuing on these proposals. In addition all the regional boards are being urged to proactively encourage the development of sustainable cost effective proposals at catchment level.