Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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18. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with regard to inland fisheries and EU funding that was not fully used under the LIFE project for Leader development companies, if he is satisfied with this; his strategy-policy to maximise the tourist potential of inland fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10508/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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The LIFE Programme is the EU's financial instrument supporting environmental and climate action projects throughout the EU. I understand that, nationally, the lead contact for the programme is the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

I understand that funding is not allocated to Departments or Agencies for their discretionary reallocation to projects. Under the Environment Sub-programme the selection process for projects is entirely merit based with projects competing against applications from other EU member states.

Inland Fisheries Ireland has participated in a number of projects that have successfully secured LIFE funding. IFI were the lead partner in a LIFE project concerning invasive species. This project is now complete and all funding was utilised. Work is completed on a further LIFE project led by IFI on the Mulkear River in Limerick with all funds utilised and the final report on the project is now being prepared. IFI is an associate partner in a third LIFE project, led by a LEADER company which is not yet complete but it is expected that full expenditure and the work programme will be completed in order to draw down the funds awarded to the project by the project end date.

IFI continues to examine closely further potential funding opportunities under the LIFE and other EU programmes within the parameters of these schemes and the competitive application process in which they operate.