Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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392. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the detail of the proposal made by the CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland regarding the possible leasing of the salmon weir fishery in Galway city to private interests; his views on the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47748/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I met with the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) last week to discuss this and other issues.

I am advised by the Board that they requested the CEO to set out, without prejudice, options for the operation of the Galway Fishery. I understand that the Board's main concern in this regard was that the operation of the fishery would, in as far as possible, be self-financing as regards its full costs.

Three potential options were presented to the Board to assist in focusing on the key issue. No one option was presented to the Board as the preferred choice of the Executive. The options identified were:

1. Maintain existing management/operational arrangements;

2. Consider licensing the operation of the fishery while retaining it in State ownership; and,

3. Explore possibilities to make the fishery self financing, covering its costs on a fully allocated basis.

In its deliberations, the Board chose option three and has directed that the Executive implement that decision.

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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393. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the situation regarding the operation of the Cong hatchery in County Galway; his plans for its future; if it might close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47749/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The operation of the Cong Hatchery is a day to day operational matter for the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

I am advised by IFI that there is no proposal to close the facility and that no proposals as regards its operation have been presented to the Board for consideration nor has any determination been contemplated or made by the Board for its future. As would be the normal practice in such matters, I expect the Board to advise and consult with me, as Minister, and with my Department should it consider any options and recommendations in this regard.

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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394. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the EU Committee on Petitions is investigating and has asked the European Parliament to investigate the endangerment of salmon, pearl mussel and otter on the Owenriff river in Oughterard, County Galway in view of the proliferation of pike and the alleged failure of Inland Fisheries Ireland to safeguard the river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47750/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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My Department has been advised that a petition has been submitted to the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament in this regard. I am also advised that the petition has been forwarded to the European Commission and the Environment Committee of the European Parliament.

At this stage, I am advised that no official notification has been received from the Commission, however the paper on which the petition is based has been received. This paper is being examined in conjunction with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) as regards the fisheries issues raised. Issues relating to other species such as freshwater pearl mussel and European otter are a matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

When official  notification is received my Department will set out a formal response as regards the fisheries issues in line with established procedures in such matters. My Department will also liaise with NPWS as regards issues under its remit.