John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1133. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of protection staff assigned to the river Nore and Nore estuary, Kilkenny; if vacancies created by retirement have been filled; the number of cases of illegal fishing prosecuted relative to the Nore, Kilkenny; the action taken by his Department arising from local media reports on illegal fishing at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13829/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that there are currently nine fulltime IFI officers involved, amongst other duties, in policing illegal fishing activity in an area that covers the River Barrow, Nore and Suir catchments.

IFI plans to employ three additional temporary staff for 6 months during 2017 to supplement the full time staff during the busy fishing season.

The operational area for these officers also includes a number of other rivers which flow directly to the sea along the Wexford and Waterford coasts including the River Mahon, Colligan, Tay, Owenduff and Corock. The freshwater and tidal sections of all of these rivers as well as the Wexford and Waterford coastline are policed by these officers.

The total land area covered by these officers is 10,260 km². The River Barrow, Nore and Suir range in length from 87 to 119 miles and these rivers or their tributaries flow through 10 counties.

Three individuals have been prosecuted on the River Nore since 2014.

The officers patrol these areas in a means which optimises resource deployment by using innovative technology such as covert surveillance and kayak and jet-ski patrols. Operations target known poaching hotspots and areas and times when illegal activity is likely to be greatest. This involves protection over a 24 hour, 7 days per week period and often involves night-time policing and unscheduled responses to reported incidents. All reports of illegal activity are investigated.

IFI has a telephone hotline 1890 34 74 24 to facilitate anglers and others in reporting any suspicious activity.