Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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175. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the inland fisheries division of his Department will be a viable entity into the future considering how dysfunctional inland fisheries policies are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35540/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I do not accept the Deputy's characterisation of inland fisheries policies. As a matter of fact it is a time of enormous opportunity for the inland fisheries section of my Department and for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) more generally. My Department is progressing the development of a draft policy framework for the Inland Fisheries sector, while IFI is also progressing its 2026–2030 Corporate Plan. This alignment presents a timely opportunity to shape a shared vision for the future of the sector in recognising the vital role inland fisheries play in biodiversity, recreation, and rural economies, and this programme of work will provide a strong strategic foundation to guide sustainable development and resource management in the years ahead.

Moreover, as the Deputy will be aware, a full new Board and Chairperson of IFI were appointed last year and have been active in overseeing the implementation of the recommendations and programmes of work that were provided for in the Governance Review of IFI. An independent follow-up review - to examine the extent to which the recommendations have been adequately implemented and embedded in IFI - will be commissioned at a later date. These important developments underpin the positive renewal of inland fisheries policy and governance in recent times and my Department will continue to play a vital role in the sustainable development of the sector.

Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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176. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if Inland Fisheries Ireland in conjunction with his Departmental officials are continuing to prepare retrospective appropriate assessment screenings under the EU Habitats Directive for the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006 in an attempt to legitimise their provenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35541/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to the written response given to Question 136 on Tuesday 22 October 2024, which stated:

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is currently reviewing the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 as part of an extensive work programme on relevant Bye-Laws that are in existence for over 10 years. This review is currently proceeding through IFI’s internal environmental assessment and compliance processes. No retrospective appropriate assessment is planned for the existing Bye-laws which may be subject to amendment in the future depending on the outputs from the review process and my subsequent consideration of those outputs..

The position has not changed.

Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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177. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the internal review of the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006 will form part of the Western Lakes Management Plan or be treated separately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35542/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in conjunction with my Department, is carrying out a review of relevant inland fisheries bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their continued application. The Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 are being examined as part of this extensive work programme.

Whilst the review of the byelaws and the Western Lakes Management Plan are interconnected, they are subject to separate processes and procedures.

The making, review or revocation of bye-laws follows a procedure which is set out on the IFI website at www.fisheriesireland.ie. The process is applicable to the review of the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006 .

Any regulatory change that may be considered for SAC-designated waters in the Great Western Lakes will be done in the context of the implementation of the long-term management plan for the Western Lakes.