Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The proposal by IFI and the scientific report are based on a counter on a fish pass that comprises approximately 6 ft to 8 ft of a river that is 100 m wide. Two other fish passes do not have counters. Two tributaries, the River Brick and River Galey, do not have counters. The proposal is that draft net fishing not be permitted on the river for one year. I know very well that if it is not permitted for one year, that will be the end of the industry. The drift net fishing industry was made obsolete and now draft net fishermen will be prevented from fishing. Another traditional fishery will be no more in that part of the country.

I do not accept the scientific analysis because of the particular conditions experienced this year. There was flooding on the river on many occasions, particularly at high tide. Given the 100 m span of the relevant stretch of the river, it is inevitable that fish ascended the river other than through the fish pass. The 15% allowance in that regard is insufficient.

What is the intention of the Government on this issue? Will the ban go ahead? Several post offices in County Kerry have closed recently. Another sector will now probably become obsolete and be left to die. I suspect that there is an agenda to end draft net fishing by putting forward the scientific evidence that has been presented. Has IFI made any effort by to restock the river? There were hatcheries on it 40 or 50 years ago, but there is none now. The Government does not intend for the salmon fishing industry in the river catchment to survive, by which I am very disappointed. The Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Griffin, who is present will agree that another traditional way of life in which people have been involved for generations is hanging by a thread.

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