Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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587. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the practice of trolling in a lake (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8437/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The lake in question is open for Catch and Release angling under the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout (Catch and Release) Bye-law No. 945 of 2016.  This Bye-law provides for catch and release in respect of salmon (and sea trout over 40 cm) and also provides for the use of hooks and baits which are conducive to survival of fish captured and released.

The concern arising with regards to trolling is the potential for fish targeted by this fishing method to be deeply hooked or injured, thereby hindering the potential survival of fish which are required, by law, to be released.

The public consultation process regarding the proposed Bye-law was advertised locally in the press and on IFI’s website www.fisheriesireland.ieand closed at 5pm on 22 July 2016.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) met with the local angling club, referred to by the Deputy, on 25 November 2016, to give the club an opportunity to discuss the proposal and highlight their written submissions to the  consultation process.

The matter is currently under consideration by senior management at IFI and their advice is awaited prior to a final determination.