Inland Fisheries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2023

Tuesday, 21 February 2023

Ceisteanna (150)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

150. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and the inland fisheries division within his Department support the phased introduction of wels catfish (Silurus glanis) into an area (details supplied) to create an unique angling tourism product in the west of Ireland, such as happened in Spain on the Ebro river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8230/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland that Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis) are a non-native / non naturalised species in Ireland and potentially invasive as is the experience throughout their range internationally.

Their introduction would represent a potential threat to native and naturalised biodiversity.