Inland Fisheries.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2007

Tuesday, 18 December 2007

Ceisteanna (520, 521)

Noel O'Flynn

Ceist:

575 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money spent to date on the works carried out at the Dinan Fish Pass, Kilkenny; if it is intended to spend further money on this pass; if the money being spent or planned to be spent is coming from the conservation stamp moneys collected from anglers; if the plans for this work were discussed with all stakeholders and in particular local anglers; the amount in this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35000/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

A Ministerial Direction under Sections 18A, 19(4) and 20(3) of the Fisheries Act 1980 required the Central and Regional Fisheries Board to prepare and implement a programme for rehabilitation of salmon stocks, giving priority to rivers below their conservation limits, in special areas of conservation and which have the greatest prospect of recovery, funded by the proceeds of the salmon conservation component of the salmon licence fees.

I have been advised by the Southern Regional Fisheries Board that €29,000 was allocated from these funds for work on the Dinan Bridge. The works are not yet completed and consultation with Kilkenny County Council, the owner of the bridge, is ongoing. To date the total expenditure incurred is some €10,478.

Wide-ranging consultation took place with stakeholders, including the OPW, Kilkenny County Council, Consultant Marc Redeker, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local farmers. The Southern Regional Fisheries Board, which includes angling representatives, has had this work as a rolling priority since 2005.

Noel O'Flynn

Ceist:

576 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the consultation that has taken place or is taking place between groups (details supplied) regarding a plan for the work to be undertaken to remove barriers to fish on the River Nore, Kilkenny; if the O’Sullivan Report has been considered by the Southern Regional Fisheries Board relative to the way the barriers in the Nore can be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35001/07]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

This is a day-to-day operational matter for the Southern Regional Fisheries Board in which I have no function.