Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 304: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is the policy of his Department and the Northern Regional Fisheries Board, under the plans for the management and development of fisheries, to disenfranchise and exclude from consultation local angling associations as is the policy currently being pursued against the Rosses and Fintown anglers on the River Gweebarra. [39999/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I have been advised by the Northern Regional Fisheries Board that discussions with a view to promoting sustainable angling in Donegal have been ongoing with local interests for the last few years.

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 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.

Discussions have commenced on this basis with the Gweebarra Fishing Club. I understand that neither the Fintown nor Rosses clubs has fishing rights within the Gweebarra catchment area.