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Inland Fisheries Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 May 2018

Thursday, 31 May 2018

Ceisteanna (181)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

181. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his permission will be required for the proposed sale by Inland Fisheries Ireland of Ashleigh Lodge in south County Mayo; the reason for the proposed sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24134/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Aasleagh Lodge and the Erriff Fishery came into State ownership in 1982.  The lodge and fishery were initially managed and developed by the Central Fisheries Board and then by the Western Regional Fisheries Board (predecessors of Inland Fisheries Ireland – IFI).  The Lodge was used to accommodate visiting anglers (both domestic and overseas) availing of the fishery and other local amenities. Accommodation was on a B&B or half-board basis. IFI succeeded the fishery boards in 2010 and as part of a strategic review of both operations and property it was considered that operating a guesthouse was not part of the organisation’s core business.  A tender process was undertaken for the accommodation facility to be operated on a commercial licence basis.

Following the tender process, IFI entered into a licence arrangement with a private company from 2015.  It was intended that the income derived would contribute to fisheries conservation, protection and development.  The Lodge (and the Erriff fishery) remained in State ownership.  IFI retook possession of the Lodge in 2016 due to non-compliance with the licence terms by the licensee.

The Board of IFI then considered a number of options in relation to the property and communicated its preferred choice to sell the property and retain the Erriff fishery in State ownership.  An examination by my Department of the options presented concurred with the Boards view.  I indicated my support for the proposed sale in June 2017.

I would emphasise that retention of the Fishery as a State asset is, in my view, essential in view of the following:

- the Fishery is the National Sea Trout Index Catchment on which significant National and International scientific research is based; 

- retention facilitates the provision of angling for Salmon and Sea Trout to domestic and visiting anglers at economic rates; and

- the scientific, amenity and community value of the Fishery.

IFI intends, in line with its property rationalisation plans, to establish a new operational base and updated scientific facilities, for the strategically important Erriff Fishery and the immediate area, on adjacent lands which it owns and are also being retained. 

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