The Salmon Conservation Fund (SCF) is generated from fees, due to the State, for commercial and rod licences for salmon and sea trout. 50% of fees are ring-fenced for reinvestment in projects under the SCF aimed specifically at promoting the recovery of salmon stocks and habitats. The fund was established in 2007 and facilitates stakeholder and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) projects. It was first opened to third party (stakeholder) projects in 2011. Since then, draw-down of funds by stakeholders totalling close to €800,000 has been made across 83 projects. There is a further €1.48 million committed to projects awaiting project completion and drawdown.
I am advised by IFI that the fund currently contains €1.49 million for further allocation and receipts for 2018, currently being processed, are expected to generate an additional €300,000.
Following significant research and consultation IFI launched the National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD) as the first comprehensive national framework for the development of Ireland’s angling resource. The strategy supports IFI’s role to conserve, protect, manage and promote Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resource which contributes some €836 million annually to the economy.
IFI recognises the key role played by angling clubs and other stakeholder organisations in fisheries development and the NSAD aims to engage stakeholders and maximise the use of volunteerism where it is of benefit to habitat and fisheries development.
All projects are expected to comply with general, financial and environmental governance requirements. IFI acknowledges the challenges for many stakeholder voluntary organisations in meeting governance requirements and has provided a project management office, project officers, online guidance, workshops and meetings to support applications. Developing a project necessarily involves multiple considerations, including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) under the Habitats Directive, Special Protected Areas (SPA’s) under the Birds Directive, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the obligation to achieve good ecological status of water.
As the Deputy will be aware the issue of permission under the Planning Acts is a matter for the relevant Local Authority. As with all funding schemes subject to public governance, requirements relating to statutory permissions, landowner consent etc. are standard. Applicants are asked to confirm that all statutory and environmental requirements are met before funding can be paid. It is for applicants to take a cautious and responsible approach in these matters and IFI cannot set aside or ignore established statutory requirements.
Specifically in relation to planning permission, while not all projects require planning approval, IFI does not adjudicate on planning issues which are in the remit of Local Authorities. IFI work with planning authorities and facilitate pre-planning meetings to assist project applicants.
Funding of €500,000 was approved under NSAD during 2017. In 2018 funding of €2.2 million was approved for delivery of 114 development projects across 23 counties nationwide. This round of funding covered capital infrastructure works.
IFI have ensured support for the implementation of the projects under the strategy. Given the large number of stakeholders, collaboration and partnership is encouraged to ensure the objectives of the NSAD are achieved, particularly the protection and conservation of the resource through stewardship and environmental compliance.
