Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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492. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to consult with the fisheries board over plans to close Lough Sheelin near Finea, County Westmeath (details supplied) to course fishermen for a period leading up to trout season. [7597/16]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I have been advised that Inland Fisheries Ireland advertised a public consultation from 17 February to 16 March 2016 to seek views on the introduction of a local bye-law on Lough Sheelin (Managed Wild Brown Trout Fishery) to close angling for any species by rod and line from 13 October each year to the end of February of the next following year. This bye-law is being sought to regulate a historical fishery management rule that is in place on Lough Sheelin. The fishery management rule currently in place prohibits fishing for any species by rod and line from 13 October to the end of February. There is no change in practice regarding this and regulating this rule under legislation ensures that it can be enforced more effectively. Fishing for all species has always been allowed during the open season from 1 March to 12 October on Lough Sheelin. These regulations have been in place for twenty years during the tenure of the then Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. This has been a widely recognised status for the lake and promoted through the angling guide leaflets and signage erected at Lough Sheelin.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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493. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to contact the chief executive officer of Inland Fisheries Ireland (details supplied) to discuss the damage being done by the Asian clams infestation with the angling club. [7599/16]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The latest invitation from the Club (Lough Ree Angling Hub) was received by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on 14 April last in relation to a meeting proposed for 25 April in Lanesborough, which the Club advised would be an update on their work. The club also advised that the meeting was proposed on foot of a site visit by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), who have statutory responsibility for invasive species, including Asian Clam.  The invitation also confirms that NPWS discussed matters with the local group.

I am advised that IFI will be represented at the meeting, from a fisheries perspective, by the Shannon Region Fisheries Inspector who is most familiar with the area.

IFI’s initial intervention in this issue primarily concentrated on its core statutory responsibilities as regards the protection conservation, development and promotion of the inland fisheries resource.

Upon notification, IFI promptly undertook work to reduce the threat of further spread from angling activity and equipment with appropriate bio-security measures put in place for anglers, and the fishery was re-opened. IFI contributed to the organisation of an international angling competition at Lanesborough aimed at showcasing the re-opened fishery.  IFI also engaged, as a groundwork measure, in a scientific survey in the Lanesborough area which set out many of the physiognomies of the Asian Clam species.

While IFI has no statutory remit in relation to invasive species, I would be happy to facilitate a detailed briefing for the Deputy from IFI on interventions to date as they relate to matters within their remit.