Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are plans in place to reopen the rivers Finn and Foyle to fishing and a timeframe for same. [13271/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I can advise the Deputy that the Rivers in question are part of the Foyle catchment and as such are under the jurisdiction of the Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, which is a North-South Body established under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

I am advised that under the Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) Regulations 2010 that if the management target of 5,410 adult salmon to be recorded over the River Finn fish counter is not exceeded in each of any two of the previous five calendar years, then the Agency is required to "suspend netting in the River Foyle, Lough Foyle and seaward of Lough Foyle". I am further advised as the management targets have not been exceeded netting remains suspended under the requirements of the 2010 regulations and in line with the conservation imperative.

I am also informed that the Rivers Finn and Foyle are not closed to angling. However, in the current circumstances, the 2010 regulations require the Agency to restrict to "catch and release" basis to minimise mortalities. Any plans to reopen the Rivers and a prospective timeframe for same would be dependant on the management targets being achieved and I am advised that the Loughs Agency is keeping matters under ongoing review.