Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 2 October 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Estimates for Public Services 2018: Vote 29 - Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

2:30 pm

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Programme E provides grant aid of €33 million to Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, which is responsible for the conservation, management and regulation of our inland fishing resources. The inland fisheries programme includes an allocation of just under €18.8 million towards the single allocation platform, SAP, costs of IFI and the Loughs Agency, a North-South body co-funded by my Department and Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. A sum of €14.3 million for non-pay current and capital expenditure by the two agencies is also included in the programme. The 2018 grant allows IFI to continue to deliver on its licensing and enforcement responsibilities along with rehabilitation of our rivers and streams. The delivery of a wide-ranging set of investments, innovations and promotions under the national strategy for angling development will ensure that Ireland's fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced for both their economic and recreational value to the communities and visitors they serve across Ireland.

Expenditure on the inland fisheries programme to the end of June was €13 million, which represents 97% of profiled expenditure. I will refer to two areas we are looking at now. One is the eel hardship scheme, the Minister and I will be briefed on in the coming weeks, if not this week.There is €1.2 million in the 2018 Estimates to finalise that scheme and a commitment for the scheme in 2019 and 2020 as well. There is also €300,000 for the lagarosiphon majorweed control programme on Lough Corrib. That is vital to ensure that important brown trout fishery and lake is protected against invasive weed. There is also a €1 million capital allocation for the agreed project to replace IFI's rigid inflatable boats, RIBs. This is a health and safety matter following the recent tragedy involving a Coast Guard RIB. The IFI worked extensively with the Marine Survey Office on a revised technical specification. The first RIB was delivered to County Donegal in June 2018 and another two are planned in the coming weeks. The IFI also intends to use an estimated €1.2 million to replace end-of-life vehicles within its fleet.

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