Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 561: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Lough Veagh in County Donegal has been closed to game anglers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3366/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Lough Veagh is part of Glenveagh National Park, which is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, of my Department. The NPWS has for some time made available two boats on Lough Veagh for renting to local anglers during the period from mid-July to end-September. A safety report on this arrangement was commissioned by an independent expert. The report concluded that the arrangements which operated in past years fall short of recognised best practice.

Game fishing in national parks must be compatible with the wider nature conservation and management requirements of these parks. The recommendations of the safety report are being considered by my Department and any necessary decision will be taken well in advance of the commencement of the next season in mid-July.