Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I represent the constituency of Galway West. As Dr. Byrne will know, the western lakes are highly regarded and considered some of the most unique natural assets in Ireland and Europe insofar as salmonoid rivers and lakes are concerned. There have been a number of public meetings with anglers across the constituency. They come not just from the west but from all over Ireland. Their concerns relate to the upkeep and protection of our rivers and lakes and our brown trout and salmon, all of which are great national assets. Anglers believe the national strategy for angling development, NSAD, model is not working. They have informed public representatives that stocks are deteriorating. Under the previous model, which worked well, local fishermen with local knowledge worked on the ground to ensure the habitat and stocks were protected. Given that the anglers in attendance at the public meetings were from all parts of the country, one has a sense that they cannot all be wrong about the NSAD and how it is working. What engagement does the IFI have with the anglers on the ground who believe they are now at a distance? The local approach seems to have changed to a bureaucratic approach.

Investment on the ground is all capital-related. While this is welcome, not enough is being done to protect our natural assets. As I said, the perception on the ground is that the habitat is deteriorating. This issue is raised repeatedly and as elected representatives, we are very conscious of it. I ask Dr. Byrne for his views on the matter. Engagement with anglers and their sense of ownership are at the heart of this issue.