Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2018
198. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a review by Inland Fisheries Ireland of trout stocks has been considered when drafting the designated salmonid waters by-law 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22955/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the comparative studies, particularly international examples, conducted in the preparation of the proposed designated salmonid waters by-law 2018; if his Department viewed other factors in the decrease of trout stocks in the designated waters in addition to nationwide; if so, the factors; his plans to expand the by-laws nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22957/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are carrying out a wide-ranging review of its national policies on brown trout and pike. These policies, which were published in 2014, were developed by two working groups, which included inter alia representatives from the main trout and pike angling federations.
One of the most important issues considered in the previous policies relates to the management of pike in wild brown trout fisheries. In late 2016, a Review Group was established to specifically consider this issue. The Group, having met for information gathering meetings, at which a number of expert scientists made presentations, reviewed and assimilated the data and information provided. The Group reconvened in September 2017.
The presentations delivered to the Group, along with minutes of the meetings and the public consultation submissions are publicly available (https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Public-Consultation/public-consultation-national-policy-review-management-of-pike-in-designated-wild-brown-trout-fisheries-3.html#review-group-meeting-minutes-and-other-documents). Public consultation, a broad representative forum and transparency in the Review Group’s deliberations have been a central part of the Group’s progression. IFI, as a public authority, recognises the diverse opinions of stakeholders and is obliged to consider all viewpoints on this issue.
In the meantime, I have given notice of proposals to make a Designated Salmonid Waters Bye-Law and instigated a public consultation where observations on the draft proposals may be expressed at any time during the period of 21 days concluding at 5pm on 25 May, 2018.
The proposed (draft) Bye-Law is intended to afford additional protection to wild brown trout confined to seven distinctive State–owned waters where established stock control measures are already in place as a matter of existing policy. These seven limestone lakes are fairly unique in terms of topography and trout habitat and have long been managed as wild brown trout fisheries via established stock management programmes.
The proposed Bye-Law would give statutory status to the policy designation of this small number of distinctive waters and would mean that the waters concerned would continue to be managed primarily as brown trout waters. These waters represent a very small percentage of available angling waters.
It is understood that any broader designation of waters and any required management measures will require primary legislation.
Before it can be finalised, the contents of the proposed Bye-Law and its potential scope will also require legal consultation and settlement. In view of the public consultation, it is not appropriate to comment further at this stage.
