Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Mulherin for raising this matter. I have discussed it with her on a previous occasion and I am aware, therefore, of its importance to her and to the people of Ballina. Her key question relates to what is going to happen with regard to the commitments that have been made in respect of the town. I intend to contact the chief executive of Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, following this debate and arrange a meeting regarding all the issues the Deputy has raised. It is also my intention to attend that meeting, when it is held, in the company of the Deputy in order that we might obtain clarity in respect of the actual position.

IFI owns and operates a fish hatchery which is located in the centre of Cong, County Mayo. It is carrying out a review of hatchery operations generally with a view to rationalising its operations and improving their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The primary focus of the proposal is business efficiency centred on rationalisation of the hatchery function and examining the feasibility of using existing capacity at Cong to yield efficiencies and cost savings in line with the Government's reform agenda. In developing these plans for its core business, IFI is keenly aware of the established educational potential of the Cong hatchery. In that regard and as a small component of the operational review, IFI has examined the possibility of expanding the visitor capacity within the existing facilities at Cong to further develop the policy of allowing limited school tours and facilitating experience and promotion of the inland fisheries resources, specifically brown trout, the rare ferox trout unique to the Cong area, and salmon. The resource and angling can be promoted and experienced by the public on an IFI existing site in an established visitor town with relatively modest investment.

The existing hatchery in Cong has been in operation for many years. It was initially located in the old mill building and latterly its has operated as a rearing station. No significant material change is envisioned for scientific operational purposes for the site. It is expected that alterations may be required in terms of providing safe and suitable access, viewing and sanitary facilities, etc., for visitors. This is a working hatchery which is fully staffed and adjacent to some of the most prolific fisheries in the country, namely, the River Cong and the famous Lough Corrib, which is renowned for its wild brown trout fishing.

Cong is a vital link in the life cycle of the rare ferox trout, a separate species which originates in the waters around the town and which has existed in Lough Corrib since the ice ages. The value of promoting knowledge and understanding of this peerless species alone, on the back of a small investment in an overall business plan, is inestimable. IFI is also cognisant and supportive of the existing proposal for the development of a salmon life centre in Ballina. The feasibility study in respect of this proposed development was undertaken by Tourism Development International and was completed back in November 2008. IFI's commitment to Ballina is not in doubt and the importance of the River Moy to the salmon species and to inland fisheries is well recognised in the context of the investment by IFI of more than €1 million in the restoration and development of the iconic salmon weir in the centre of the town. I understand that this proposal was for a greenfield site and could be a very significant investment should the estimated €6 million to build the facility or, as the Deputy states, to make it shovel ready be secured. The salmon life centre would involve a joint development initiative which includes Mayo County Council, Ballina Town Council, IFI - in its role as the successor to the North Western Regional Fisheries Board - and Fáilte Ireland. The modest proposals for Cong in no way duplicate, replicate or usurp the much more involved and financially ambitious proposals relating to Ballina, which is famous for its salmon. Cong is famous for its unique and ancient species of trout.

I again emphasise that this is a relatively minor element in the IFI operational proposals, which are based on seeking value for public funds in respect of one of its principal functions as the State agency responsible for the protection, development and management of wild fisheries. The long-term viability of the existing facility in Cong - as a working facility - is a priority and its development for ancillary activity is a modest but worthwhile by-product of a drive towards economic rationalisation.

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