Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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210. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the nature of the issues preventing snap fishing in the Inistiog area of Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51286/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The River Nore, near Inistiog in Kilkenny, is one of Ireland’s salmonid rivers meaning it naturally supports salmon and trout populations. Ireland’s salmonid fisheries are managed on a river-by-river basis using robust scientific advice on conservation limits.

A conservation limit is the minimal number required to ensure a stock remains sustainable. Harvesting (i.e. removal of fish) is only permitted in rivers which are above their conservation limit, so that the viability of the stock in that river is not negatively impacted. Where a river does not meet its conservation limit, restrictions are put in place. Those restrictions, which may include closure, bag limits, gear restrictions or catch-and-release systems, are determined each year for each river based on the latest scientific advice.

The River Nore is currently below its conservation limit and operates under a catch-and-release regime. Fishing methods, such as snap-net fishing, which would remove fish from the river are therefore not permitted.