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

I will undertake to arrange a meeting with Inland Fisheries Ireland to discuss the promotion of Lough Gill and angling in the midlands. The Deputy highlighted the importance of stocked fisheries in the area although he pointed out that this is not a stocked fishery but a natural fishery. He pointed out also that the trout in the lake are of a particular genetic disposition in that they are hardy. They would want to be hardy to fend off some of the predation by other fish species in the lakes. That is the basis of the by-law I have been examining. As I said, a number of submissions have been made on both sides. Primary legislation on this area, whenever it comes before this House, will give rise to a lively discussion within and among parties because there are two sides to every argument regarding the angling sector. The purpose of my by-law was to designate a small number, albeit important and larger lakes - seven lakes in total - with respect to a policy. Those are lakes that are primarily managed in terms of removing predators, which has been an ongoing practice for many years in Lough Corrib, for example.

I understand the strong advocacy the Deputy has made on Lough Ennel both here today and previously at meetings with me. I will revert to officials regarding it and undertake to set up that meeting with Inland Fisheries Ireland to further discuss the promotion of angling in the midlands and specifically in Lough Ennel.

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