James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1464. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that the tail grates at the Millrace Tailrace, Bunclody on the River Slaney satisfies the habitats directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41574/16]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that the gratings at the Millrace Tailrace, Bunclody on the River Slaney are in compliance with the appropriate legislation vizSection 123 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959.

I would be happy to arrange a detailed IFI briefing for the Deputy on the fish passage issues, challenges and remedial actions in the area.

I understand that compliance of the broader installation with EU requirements, including the Habitats Directive, would be a matter for the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in the first instance.

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1465. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to prevent the significant and organised poaching occurring on the River Slaney; if Inland Fisheries Ireland has significant staff to prevent poaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41575/16]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The principal functions of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) include the protection, management and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. In delivering this function, IFI adapts development, protection and environmental/conservation practices to maximise the return on state investment in policing, conserving and developing the resource.

IFI adopts a wide-ranging protection strategy and delivers an associated broad protection programme on the River Slaney system encompassing coastal (from Arklow to Bannow Bay), estuarine and freshwater (main channel and tributaries) environments.

Protection measures are delivered through the operation of highly trained, skilled and experienced inland fishery protection and surveillance teams (enabled through deployment of state-of-the-art technology and supporting infrastructure) on a 24 hour, 365 day basis.

The implementation of proven traditional work practices has been augmented by the increasing use of new  innovative approaches such as kayak and bike patrolling, dog assisted patrolling and covert surveillance using advanced digital technologies. These innovations have assisted in deployment of protection resources and have delivered significantly improved efficiency and effectiveness on the River Slaney system and at a national level. A total of 3,283 person hours were spent on protection patrolling alone in 2016 which included kayak, foot, bicycle and vehicle patrols on the main channel of the River Slaney and its tributaries.  

IFI has established a wide-ranging network of stakeholders who liaise with staff regarding possible illegal activity on the River Slaney system. IFI has also experienced year on year increases in reports received to its 24 hour emergency telephone hotline. IFI staff respond to, and act on, all valid communications and information relating to poaching on the River Slaney system received via the 24 hour emergency telephone hotline and other communications and information sources. All this facilitates pre-emptive action by Fisheries Protection Teams when a potential threat is identified.  

In the case of serious infringements of fisheries legislation, IFI initiates prosecution proceedings. Prosecutions were initiated in respect of 3 incidents for serious breaches of fisheries legislation since 2013. In addition, a system of “Fixed Charge Notices” also facilitates enforcement of fisheries legislation without recourse to the Courts process. This system has enhanced the regulatory capacity of IFI and has improved levels of compliance nationally. Eight Fixed Charge Notices have been issued to individuals relating to infringements of fisheries legislation on the River Slaney system since 2013.