Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
124. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his Department's plans in addressing the challenges of fish spawning and migration on rivers with ESB run hydroelectric stations and dams; the Department's position on the new ESB Rivers Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3386/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues raised by the Deputy in relation to addressing fish spawning and migration issues on specific river systems are day to day operational matters for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my Department have any operational function.
IFI, as the State Body with responsibility for the protection, management, conservation, promotion, marketing and development of the inland fisheries resource has statutory responsibility for dealing with this matter.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries in relation to operational matters can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
ESB and IFI have held a series of high-level management discussions designed to engage across a broad range of issues and to identify and agree shared strategic objectives and actions in relation to fisheries management, conservation, and biodiversity challenges. These meetings continue to take place on a regular basis. I support both parties in committing to making additional resources available under their revised business strategies to address river connectivity and provide improved fish passage.
I understand that ESB is in the process of updating its fisheries conservation strategy as part of its Sustainable River Strategy which is currently being developed with input from IFI.
