Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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753. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the rationale for Inland Fisheries Ireland to cease all fish farm operations. [23755/16]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The proposal around rationalising the fish farm operations of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is a day to day operational matter for the Board of IFI.

I acknowledge the huge positive impact made by angling to the Irish economy and expect the Board of IFI to be mindful of that in all decisions they make.

I am informed by IFI that, from a structural perspective, the fish farming operation is based on physical structures and facilities designed and built in the late 1950s.  Since that time, meeting the operational and financial demands and increasing regulatory requirements from facilities that are dated has become more complex and challenging.  In that context, I recently visited IFI's broodstock and hatchery facility at Cullion (Mullingar) to see at first hand the existing facilities where I was briefed by a member of IFI's senior management team.

IFI has already written to affected stakeholders advising them that the farms are operating as normal for 2016 and that a consultation process is underway to hear the views of stakeholders while making efforts to ensure continued supply of trout for stocking for anglers. 

I understand that the Board proposal is based on an expert review it commissioned of its production capabilities, operational processes, facility design and technologies as well as operational costs. However, I have recently met with the Board of IFI to reiterate my position that a report of the public consultation process is to be made to my Department prior to any action being taken.

All stakeholders are encouraged to make a submission under the process. Submissions should be madein writing to Fish Farm Consultation, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin D24 Y265, Ireland.