Dr. Ciaran Byrne:

The Deputy is correct that a huge volume of work needs to be done with our inland fisheries. We have a good natural resource, namely, angling, which needs constant investment and upgrading. Inland Fisheries Ireland has recognised from its socio-economic study of recreational anglers that we need a national angling development plan. Over the summer, we looked at angling resources to see how we can maintain and improve them. I, along with my staff and officers, have been looking at development needs from simple matters such as shrub cutting and development of bank side infrastructure right up to how we market and promote the resource. The board of Inland Fisheries Ireland and its senior management have been seriously focused on a national angling development plan and hope to bring it forward early next year. One consideration, however, will be that it will cost money.