Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the infestation of roach in lakes here with particular reference to western lakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37462/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I have been advised that roach were first introduced to Lough Corrib in the mid to late 1970s and have spread throughout the catchment since then, including Lough Mask. The roach is now naturalised in Ireland and scientific studies have shown that populations of roach fluctuate greatly, particularly after initial introduction. In certain years, due to favourable spawning conditions, the number of juvenile roach has increased. This is a natural phenomenon and would no longer be considered an "infestation". As these strong year-classes of roach mature, they will compete for food and habitat with other coarse fish species, and will be the most abundant species.

I am advised by the Central Fisheries Board that as roach is now widespread in the western lakes there are no control measures that could be put in place to limit population numbers.