Seanad debates

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

7:00 pm

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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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.

Photo of John BrowneJohn Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Senator Paddy Burke for raising this issue. As Members of the House will be aware, the Government's primary motivation in its decision to align future management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice and introduce the appropriate regulations to cease mixed stock fishing, is the conservation of the wild salmon species, which has long been regarded as one of Ireland's most prized fish, valued as a cultural, recreational and economic resource.

It is vital to afford every protection to remaining salmon stocks and to clearly prioritise conservation over catch. Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries rests with the regional fisheries boards. Under the Fisheries Acts the regional fisheries boards have the statutory function of ensuring any fishery in their possession, or that is placed under their care and management by the Central Fisheries Board, is managed, conserved, protected and developed in accordance with development plans for inland fisheries. The boards are also statutorily obliged to have regard to the particular role and contribution of angling clubs and associations in the sustainable management and development to the public benefit of State, public and other inland fisheries in their fisheries regime.

While I am not aware of the specific case to which the Senator referred concerning Ballina, I am aware of demands by anglers for access to public fisheries managed by State bodies, including the fisheries boards and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the efforts that were being undertaken to agree the requisite legal agreements. Under the Government's guidelines on the disposal of State assets, Departments and State agencies are obliged to provide certain safeguards in the State's interest in the property rights which are to be transferred to the management of the angling clubs. It is necessary to follow the advice of the Chief State Solicitor's Office in preparing the detailed agreement and to include conditions requiring the application of proper fishery management practices commensurate with the management of the fishery, in particular in those fisheries located in a special area of conservation. To comply with competition guidelines, the same conditions are included in all agreements for the management of the beats on the river.

Draft leases drawn up by the Chief State Solicitor are based on best legal practice and reflect the management requirements arising from the State bodies' responsibilities to protect State assets. I am advised the draft leases are no more stringent than any other leases that issue in respect of State properties, including fisheries, throughout the country and are in keeping with current inland fisheries management policy.

I am also aware of the proposals prepared by the Northern Regional Fisheries Board for the management and development of State fisheries in County Donegal. This plan was the subject of a discussion document, Outline Proposal for Development and Management of Angling in Donegal, prepared in support of the Donegal County Council county tourism plan on which there have been ongoing negotiations.

The efforts of the Central Fisheries Board are aimed at facilitating local and visiting anglers and to guarantee the long-term health and sustainability of the fisheries.

I understand that discussions take place based on river catchment areas with a view to reaching agreement with the recognised local angling clubs for each catchment. The management agreement under discussion provides for shared access for local and visiting anglers, allowing the fishery to be run on a sustainable basis into the future. Residents living within the catchment area cannot, I understand, be refused membership of the local club.

It is my understanding that the protests by anglers in County Kerry in the past relate to demands for access to public fisheries which are managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I am informed that the local salmon anglers are allowed to continue to manage the fishery on an ad hoc basis pending the completion of the requisite legal agreement and are not, therefore, excluded from using the fishery.

It is the Government's strongly held view that our wild salmon stock is a national asset, which must be conserved and protected, as well as being exploited as a resource by us all on a sustainable basis.

I will be happy to meet the Ballina anglers during the next couple of weeks. I will talk to the Senator with a view to agreeing a date for the meeting.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for acceding to my request to meet the Ballina salmon anglers. While I know the fishermen can fish, the licence is renewed annually. I ask the Minister of State to examine this issue prior to his meeting with the deputation.

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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I will meet the deputation and have a discussion.