Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

94. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to introduce legislation, or arrange for the introduction of a by-law, that would protect the wild trout population in the Annalee, Bunnoe and Laragh rivers in County Cavan; if he will engage directly with the representatives of the Cavan, Laragh and Bunnoe anglers clubs to this end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23572/14]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has received requests from three clubs in Cavan, namely the Bunnoe, Laragh and Cavan Anglers, seeking the introduction of Bye-laws relating to minimum size limit and daily bag limits for sections of the Upper Erne catchment. I am also advised that it appears that the intention of the proposed Bye-laws is to protect and preserve the wild trout population in the river sections identified by the Clubs. I have very recently received, from IFI, a draft national policy on brown trout which is being reviewed in the Department. The requests from the three Clubs would appear to be consistent with the conservation ethos which the draft policy seeks to underpin and consideration will be given to accommodating the Clubs' proposals in line with the recommendations of the draft policy. Proposed Bye-laws are informed by available appropriate scientific advice regarding size and bag limits for the relevant waters on the basis of stock assessment and spawning characteristics.

IFI also advise that, arising from the draft national trout policy review and any revision to national regulations which results, that the introduction of an comprehensive Bye-law for trout for the Upper Erne might be preferable to putting in place a range of disparate Bye-laws for the numerous waters in the area. Any proposed Bye-laws will also be subject to the required appropriate period of public consultation that will allow all relevant stakeholders to make input to the proposals. In addition, issues such as access to and ownership of fisheries will also need to be clarified and addressed.