Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste may be aware that designated salmonid waters by-law No. 964 of 2018 was signed into law by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, on 25 October 2018. The by-law designates seven State-owned lakes as salmonid lakes, but it was challenged in the courts and the case was not defended by the Government. The by-law was signed into law in order to protect native species in seven salmonid lakes and control invasive species which had been illegally introduced. A further by-law must be implemented as a matter of urgency to protect the native species in the seven lakes. Why was the case not defended by the State before the courts? No representative of the State appeared in court to defend by-law No. 964 of 2018 when it was challenged by pike fishing lobby groups. Will the Tánaiste to give a commitment to the House that emergency legislation will be introduced as a matter of urgency to protect the seven salmonid lakes and the native fishing industry? I assure him that if the Government does so, it will receive my full support. I understand the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, is working hard on the matter.

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