Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the locations in County Waterford in which fishing rights have been bought out or otherwise do not rest with the State; the number of fishing licences issued in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9786/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I presume the Deputy's question relates to commercial salmon fishing licences, which, under the Fisheries Acts, are an operational matter for which the regional fisheries boards — in this case the Southern Regional Fisheries Board — are responsible. I am advised by the board that there are two main river catchments with commercial fisheries in County Waterford. These are the River Blackwater into Youghal harbour, which is in the Lismore fishery district, and the Rivers Barrow, Nore and Suir into Waterford harbour, which is in the Waterford fishery district.

According to the board, there is a several private fishery in the tidal waters of the River Blackwater on which 40 private drift net licences operate. Six draft net licences and one trap licence are privately owned in this several fishery. I am advised by the fisheries board, however, that the six draft net licences have been the subject of a set-aside scheme for the past five years — 2000 to 2004 — which was funded equally by the fisheries board and angling and tourism interests. This set-aside scheme is being reviewed by the board and negotiations are ongoing with all relevant stakeholders on the feasibility of renewing the scheme in 2005. In addition to this several fishery, the board advises that 41 public drift net licences operate in the Lismore fishery district, south of Youghal New Bridge on the N25 out to sea for six miles west to Ballycotton and east to Helvick Head. The fisheries board confirms that no fishing licences have been bought out in this district.

I am advised by the board that there are 132 snap net licences and three draft net licences in the Waterford fishery district issued to fishermen operating above a line from Cheekpoint across to the east side of the Barrow Bridge. The board also advises that 173 public drift net licences operate in Waterford harbour, south of the Cheekpoint line and out to sea for six miles east to Bannow Bay and west to Helvick Head. The board confirms there has been no set-aside or buy out of licences in the Waterford fishery district.