Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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126. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which ongoing restocking of rivers and freshwater lakes continues in respect of trout, salmon or other fish species as appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35561/23]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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127. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which the restocking of freshwater rivers and lakes and other waterways has progressed in the past five years; the degree to which this resulted in improvement as an attraction for angling tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35564/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.

I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that stocking is a complex matter that is carefully considered in the context of the protection of existing wild stocks.

IFI has supplied hatchery reared fish to angling clubs around the country. The main species stocked are brown trout and, in respect of put and take fisheries, rainbow trout.Re-stocking requests are considered in the context of EU legislation, biodiversity considerations and best scientific advice.”

A copy of IFI’s fish stocking guidance document is available by request at the email address designated for Oireachtas members : oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.