Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the spread of invasive weed Lagarosiphon Major in lakes here; if his attention has been drawn to the serious danger this weed poses for inland angling and environmental status generally; his Department's knowledge of the rapidly spreading incidence of this weed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21201/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the protection and conservation of Inland Fisheries is a matter for the regional fisheries boards. I am aware through the Western Regional Fisheries Board and the Central Fisheries Board that an alien plant species known as Lagarosiphon major or Curly Water Weed, referred to by the Deputy, has been identified in Lough Corrib.

I am advised by the Central Fisheries Board that Lagarosiphon major was definitively identified in Rinneroon Bay, Lough Corrib, in April 2005. Discussions with local Fisheries Board staff and anglers suggest that the plant may have been present in the bay for between 5 and 7 years, but only achieved nuisance levels in the past two years. The reason it was not brought to the attention of Central Fisheries Board scientists prior to 2005 was because it was thought to be part of the native flora. As a result of research conducted since the plant was first positively identified in Lough Corrib, it would appear that this represents the only location where Lagarosiphon has established in the wild.

Once positively identified an information leaflet that detailed the ecological and recreational consequences of the plant's spread was produced and distributed widely throughout the country.

I am advised that the Central Fisheries Board and the Western Regional Fisheries Board, together with Galway County Council and the National Parks and Wild Life Service, established a Lagarosiphon Task Force last year. The main aim of this task force is to determine and implement all the possible options for the control and the possible elimination of this invasive alien species. I understand that the Task Force will shortly be submitting proposals on measures to deal with this problem.