Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree that there is certainly a divergence of opinion, but it is time, as part of the review process, that all sides were heard. There is also value to pike anglers. They have given me extraordinary figures which indicate a reduction in the number of visitors from 43,000 to 7,200 in the last year. There are issues arising and the anglers are looking for a process in which they will be heard and will be able to make submissions. The Minister is confirming that this will happen, but it concerns me that the deadline is next year. I would have thought this process could have been completed in a much shorter timeframe. The arrangement has not yet been set up and it will run until next year, until July, which seems to be a very long period in which to deal with this matter, given the implications for tourism and revenue generation in local areas.

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