Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

218. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if, given that on Tuesday, 20 May this year, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) closed the Galway Salmon Weir Fishery until further notice due to high water temperatures, IFI provided any evidence that Atlantic salmon were resident in the weir at the time of closure considering that IFI operates under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29022/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have confirmed that Atlantic salmon are known to be present at this time of year in Galway Salmon Weir Fishery as they migrate upstream to spawn, passing the Galway Weir. I have been advised that, as of 27 May 2025, nine Atlantic salmon had been caught at the Galway Fishery, with the first fish caught on 25 April 2025.

IFI is guided by scientific advice that indicates the effect of a dramatic increase in angling-related mortalities at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius. The fishery re-opened on Monday 26 May 2025, once temperatures had returned to levels where fish would not be thermally stressed.

The management of the Galway Salmon Weir Fishery is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland. IFI has established a specific e-mail address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards.

The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.