Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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207. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there are plans in place at Departmental level to re-designate Lough Sheelin as a pike and coarse fishery considering the results of the 2022 fish survey conducted by Inland Fisheries Ireland, which found that native brown trout are a marginalised species within a larger biomass of invasive and-or non-native fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63200/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently no plans to provide for any such designation for Lough Sheelin.

Lough Sheelin is designated as one of the Great Western Lakes and is a very important and high quality wild brown trout fishery. Loughs Corrib, Mask, Carra, Conn, Cullin, Arrow and Sheelin are among the best wild brown trout fisheries in Europe and are collectively known as the Great Western Lakes.

Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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208. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland are considering legislation for Lough Sheelin to impose a total ban on the harvesting of brown trout by rod angling; a total ban on the use of electronics (chartplotters, echosounders, side-scan sonar, livescope and active target) for angling purposes; restricting the use of outboard engines over a predetermined horsepower for angling purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63201/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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No such legislation is being considered at present relating to Lough Sheelin.

However, I can advise the Deputy that Inland Fisheries Ireland is happy to engage with stakeholders to review angling control measures within the remit of IFI and where they support the conservation of Lough Sheelin’s fishery.

Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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209. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his inland fisheries division and Inland Fisheries Ireland continue to support catch and release angling competitions on Lough Corrib special area of conservation, SAC, which advertently target native brown trout under 13 inches or 33 cm, as defined in the Western Fisheries Region Conservation of Trout Bye-law No. 840, 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63202/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I can advise the Deputy that the Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) support Catch and Release (C&R) competitions nationally, including on Lough Corrib. This practice has been embraced by anglers and angling clubs organising such events.

Catch and release angling is a key conservation measure by reducing fish mortality. Since 2012, IFI has invited angling clubs and tourism organisations to apply for sponsorship support in connection with hosting such events.

IFI has advised the Department that one of the essential criteria used in the evaluation process for applications seeking IFI sponsorship support is the catch and release requirement. IFI will not support any competition where the results/scoring system necessitates the killing of fish.

Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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210. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Departmental officials, in conjunction with Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, will implement legislative changes to the Conservation of Pike Bye-law No. 809, 2006 as clearly referenced in the IFI’s 2014 pike policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63204/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in conjunction with the 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 Pike Bye-law No. 809, 2006 is being examined as part of this extensive work programme.

IFI recently undertook a public consultation process regarding the Conservation of Pike Bye-law No. 809, 2006. I look forward to the review process concluding in due course.