Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the fact that the rod ban implemented on the Shannon in Limerick City includes all fish species and not just salmon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13472/07]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether the ban on salmon fishing on the Shannon in Limerick City is simply a cost saving exercise and will have no impact on fish stocks. [13473/07]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the ban on fishing on the Shannon is opposed by a group (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will take action to support their call for the ban to be revoked. [13474/07]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will immediately lift the ban on rod fishing imposed on the Shannon River from Plassey to Thomond Bridge in Limerick City, which is in effect from 1 March 2007. [13475/07]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the section of the Shannon from Plassey to Thomond Bridge, that is covered by the ban on fishing, especially the part at the long shore, is fished by local people many of them young and from the neighbouring estates of Moyross, Ballynanty, Kileely, Thomondgate and St. Mary's Park, all of which are in areas covered by the Government's rapid programme, and that this will aggravate the situation where there are very few leisure and sports facilities. [13476/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 to 193, inclusive, together.

A variety of conservation measures have been adopted for the protection of wild salmon stocks in the River Shannon.

The Shannon Fisheries Region (Prohibition of Angling with Rod and Line) Bye-law No. C.S.289, 2007 prohibits angling for all species of fish in a section of the Lower River Shannon from Plassey Bridge to Thomond Bridge during the period commencing 1 March to 30 September.

This bye-law was introduced at the request of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, which advised me that wide scale illegal fishing takes place in this area.

I am advised that the Shannon Fisheries Board considers that it would be problematic to implement a management system to protect wild salmon that would be complied with in this area during this season. In the circumstances, permitting angling for any species would adversely impact of wild salmon stocks.

The Board will keep this measure under review for the current season in the context of the longer term adjustments to the salmon management regime on the River Shannon.