Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 249: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the name in respect of the years 1985 and 1995, of each of the ESB subsidiary and associate companies involved in fishery activity within the State; the percentage of ESB holdings; the activity of each company in fishery activity; the amount invested by the ESB in subsidiaries and associates by way of shares and loans and the profit and loss position in each company; and if these companies are still trading in the State. [18892/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been informed by the ESB that only their subsidiary company, Salmara Holdings Limited, was engaged in salmon farming from 1987 to 1995. Approval to dispose of the four offshore farms operated by the company was given to the ESB in January 1995. It has not been possible to obtain the other information sought in the time available and this will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is provided by the ESB.

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 250: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the funding available and allocated specifically for the development of Shannon fisheries in each of the years 2000 to 2007 by the ESB for the development of the Shannon fisheries service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18893/08]

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 251: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the ESB fisheries division provides him with an annual financial breakdown of profits and operating costs for the fishery activity on the River Shannon (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18894/08]

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 252: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the ESB has a protection brief on the Shannon system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18895/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 to 252, inclusive, together.

I am advised that the ESB controls the fishing rights of the entire River Shannon and the role of maintenance and preservation of the fishery resources is undertaken by ESB Fisheries Conservation, part of the ESB Hydro Group which operates within the ESB Power Generation directorate. I am advised that certain protection activities on the Shannon catchment are managed on behalf of the ESB by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board.

Under the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act 1961, the ESB is required to provide me with an annual report, statistics, returns and accounts in relation to fisheries under its management. This report includes turnover, expenditure, payroll, operational costs and net loss figures which are extracted from the financial statements of the ESB for the year ended 31 December. The report includes details for the various fishery activities undertaken by ESB Fisheries Conservation throughout the State. No breakdown of the figures is provided for the Shannon Catchment. I understand the ESB publishes and circulates the report among interested stakeholders. Copies are also available from the ESB on request.