Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2015
447. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the location where the sample of Asian Clam extracted from the River Shannon at Lanesboro in June 2015 by Inland Fisheries Ireland is being stored; if it has been examined; the findings; if these indicate that the Asian Clam dies after a certain period out of water and can be disposed of easily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35794/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra448. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the post-trial dredge report hot-water section Lanesborough by the Inland Fisheries Ireland on the Asian Clam in the River Shannon; if he is satisfied that the recommendations will fully address and remove this invasive species permanently, with particular emphasis on removal and disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35795/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 447 and 448 together.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has no statutory remit in the area of invasive species.
Some very good preparatory work has, however, been done, thus far, by IFI and Waterways Ireland. However, it is clear that a multi-agency response to the substantive issue is required with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), as the body with a statutory remit, in the lead. IFI have confirmed that they are happy to participate in a multi-agency group and to contribute any expertise they have in this regard.
I am advised by IFI that their intervention in this issue has primarily concentrated on their statutory responsibilities as regards the protection conservation, development and promotion of the inland fisheries resource. IFI have been involved in preliminary work from a fisheries perspective, with early action taken to close the fishery, erect public warning signs and install essential bio-security stations, with assistance from ESB, to reduce the threat of further spread from angling activity and equipment.
This was completed promptly and, with appropriate bio-security measures in place for anglers, the fishery was re-opened. I understand, however, that the main potential vectors as regards potential spread of the species are outside the remit of IFI.
IFI also engaged, as a groundwork measure, in a scientific survey in the Lanesborough area and I have asked IFI to forward a copy of the resultant report, which also sets out many of the physiognomies of the species, directly to the Deputy.
Following a trial dredge carried out by Waterways Ireland with assistance from IFI, some 2.5 tonnes of material was removed from the trial site and moved to the IFI store in Roscommon. The issue of disposal of material from any substantive intervention, and of material stored following the trial dredge, would be subject to advice from, and agreement of, the Environmental Protection Agency.
It is important to emphasise that scientific expertise clearly indicates that this species is particularly pervasive in the environment and that eradication, as referred to by the Deputy, does not appear to be a viable option but that ongoing management of the situation, on a multi-agency basis, may be required.
