Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
181. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department support the conservation of invasive pike in Connemara SACs under the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006, to the detriment of native salmonids, particularly Atlantic salmon and brown trout (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15064/23]
View answerThe Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 referred to by the Deputy has been in place for some 17 years. As recently advised by my officials at a meeting of the Angling Consultative Council of Ireland, a review of Bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their application, will be commenced shortly. It is intended that Bye-law 809 will be reviewed early in that process.
However, to provide for the most robust, modern, comprehensive and sustainable management of SAC designated waters, I requested Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to prepare and submit to me a comprehensive draft management plan for all waters within the Great Western Lakes.
This Plan aims to address some of the many factors that impact on the ecological well being and the status of native fish stocks in the catchments of the Great Western Lakes. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have previously submitted a draft Management Plan to me and I have written to IFI to confirm my support for the draft plan.
Any legislative change that may be considered for SAC-designated waters will be done in the context of this plan.
