Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 422: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the Laune River in County Kerry has not been designated as a salmonid river in view of the fact that it is classed as one of the top ten salmon rivers in Ireland and needs to be preserved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46401/08]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that under the EU Habitats Directive, the River Laune is designated as a salmonid river. The river catchment is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation for salmon, which is included in the Castlemaine Harbour Special Area of Conservation.

Consequently, exploitation of the salmon stock of the River Laune is provided for in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations. The level of permissible harvest is limited to the identified surplus described by the Standing Scientific Committee, following the assessment undertaken in accordance with the Habitats Directive. A number of conservation bye-laws of national and local application further protect salmon stocks in the river.