John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I strongly support what Senator O'Toole said. I also support the local Comharchumann in its efforts to have this fishery returned to community ownership. We debated salmon angling in the House earlier this afternoon. One of the great lessons learned from international practice is that if rivers are vested in their local communities, many of the attendant problems which have bedevilled game fishing rivers in this country, such as poaching and so on, are eliminated. I am aware of a very successful project on the Kerry Blackwater, near Kenmare, where I fish, but this is something even beyond that because it is vested in community ownership. From that point of view alone, it could serve as a flagship for the entire country with regard to the way a fishery could be managed and brought into public ownership.

I am impressed by the fact that this proposal has all been very well costed. A full feasibility study has been carried out. All aspects have been thoroughly studied by the promoters, so it is not a case of flying in the dark. They have produced a very worthwhile plan. I know from my experience with my local angling club that we have been quite successful in drawing down funds from the Centre for Environmental Living and Training, CELT, as well as from the fisheries boards, which were very helpful to us in developing the river banks and installing stiles and facilities for anglers. In every respect, this should be supported, and I hope the Minister can look favourably on what has been said this evening.