Inland Fisheries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2017

Tuesday, 14 November 2017

Ceisteanna (394)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

394. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the EU Committee on Petitions is investigating and has asked the European Parliament to investigate the endangerment of salmon, pearl mussel and otter on the Owenriff river in Oughterard, County Galway in view of the proliferation of pike and the alleged failure of Inland Fisheries Ireland to safeguard the river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47750/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

My Department has been advised that a petition has been submitted to the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament in this regard. I am also advised that the petition has been forwarded to the European Commission and the Environment Committee of the European Parliament.

At this stage, I am advised that no official notification has been received from the Commission, however the paper on which the petition is based has been received. This paper is being examined in conjunction with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) as regards the fisheries issues raised. Issues relating to other species such as freshwater pearl mussel and European otter are a matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

When official  notification is received my Department will set out a formal response as regards the fisheries issues in line with established procedures in such matters. My Department will also liaise with NPWS as regards issues under its remit.