Inland Fisheries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2013

Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Ceisteanna (152, 153)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

152. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown between sea angling, coarse angling and game angling in terms of numbers of the general public and tourists taking part each year in each activity; the revenue generated for the State by each activity; the contribution of each activity in jobs, tourism business, and income for local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20818/13]

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

153. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide the official national figures for salmon and sea trout caught and killed by rod and line for the most recently available five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20819/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Fergus O'Dowd)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that there is a wealth of data on angling in Ireland available on the Inland fisheries Ireland (IFI) website, which may be accessed at www.fisheriesireland.ie. In relation to the specific data sought by the Deputy concerning national figures for salmon and sea trout caught by rod and line, I am advised by IFI that in the time available it has not been possible to compile this data for inclusion in this reply. However, in order to help the Deputy, I have asked IFI to provide the specific detailed data requested by the Deputy as soon as possible.

In relation to the economic impacts of angling and related activities, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that IFI will shortly be presenting to me, prior to publication, a comprehensive study of the inland and sea angling sectors which I understand will provide breakdowns into the respective categories of angling sought by the Deputy. I will provide a copy of the report to the Deputy upon publication.