Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to put this matter on the clár. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy John Browne. This matter was raised with me by Councillor Michelle Mulhern in conjunction with FISTA and the Ballina Salmon Anglers. Both bodies expressed great concern about this matter. On numerous occasions they sought meetings with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to resolve the situation. These groups are worried about a number of issues. Of prime concern is the fact that only one salmon can be caught per person before 12 May. This is having a detrimental effect on fishing in the region, especially in the Moy basin area. This stipulation means no fishermen come to the area prior to 12 May. This is farcical when one considers draft net fishermen can go down the river after 12 May and catch salmon almost at will at the mouth of the river.

Another issue of concern to the groups is what they see as the inadequate level of protection provided on rivers. Perhaps the issue that is of most concern to them is that of leases for salmon fishing clubs. As the Minister of State is well aware, salmon fishing clubs have licences to fish which are renewed on a yearly basis. This is not acceptable to fishing organisations like the Ballina Salmon Anglers Association. This organisation is in place for 47 years. FISTA is affiliated to 70 clubs nationwide. Together, the two bodies constitute a strong lobby.

It is high time for the North Western Regional Fisheries Board and the Government to give those fishing clubs long leases of seven to ten years. Currently, the clubs operate on a one-year renewable licence for sections of rivers controlled by the State. I urge the Minister to consider issuing long renewable leases to salmon fishing clubs like the Ballina Salmon Anglers Association. It has put a strong case and is providing a great service to the Ballina area which attracts many fishermen. This helps the local economy in terms of bed and breakfasts, restaurants, hotels, bars etc. I hope the Minister of State will accede to the requests by FISTA and the Ballina Salmon Anglers Association to meet with them to resolve the issues I have raised.