An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid, Fuinneamh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha
An Chéad Tuarascáil
Tuarascáil ar Éagsúlú Iascach Intíre inár bPobail
Iúil 2009
___________________________________________________________
Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
First Report
Report on Diversification of Inland Fisheries in our Communities
July 2009
A9/1013
An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid, Fuinneamh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha
An Chéad Tuarascáil
Tuarascáil ar Éagsúlú Iascach Intíre inár bPobail
Iúil 2009
___________________________________________________________
Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
First Report
Report on Diversification of Inland Fisheries in our Communities
July 2009
1
Contents
Foreword by the Chairman
2
Foreword by Deputy Joe McHugh, Rapporteur
3
1.
Introduction
4
2.
SWOT analysis of inland fisheries
5
3.
Development of tourism based projects and infrastructure. Expansion and
improvement of existing tourism facilities
6
4.
Development of the aquaculture industry
11
5.
Improvement of awareness and education concerning our freshwater resources
12
6.
Discussion of setting attainable standards to improve the environmental
conditions and issues concerning our freshwater environments
14
Conclusions
7.
Discussion of possible barriers to the development and implementation of
proposed diversification projects.
17
8.
Benefits of diversification of the inland fisheries to local communities and the
national economy
20
References
22
APPENDIX A
Orders of Reference
24
APPENDIX B
Members of the Joint Committee
29
2
Chairman’s Foreword
This is the first report that has been carried out on behalf of the Joint Committee and I would
like to express my sincere appreciation and that of the members of the Joint Committee to
Deputy Joe McHugh for his work on the report.
The report contains some important recommendations that, if acted upon, could in the long
term expand areas of activity in the tourism industry while helping to develop our rivers and
lakes. These include walking tourism, boat trips, and associated outdoor pursuits. Other areas
that might be explored include the development of lakeland drives, canoeing, kayaking and
windsurfing. These have the potential of increasing the number of tourists visiting Ireland,
while at the same time encouraging Irish people to holiday at home.
M J Nolan T.D.
Chairman
7th July 2009
3
Foreword
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
appointed me as rapporteur to undertake a report on the diversification of inland fisheries in
our community. In compiling this report on behalf of the Joint Committee I would like to
thank Ms. Maeve Cavanagh, Moville, Co. Donegal for her input and assistance during and
after its preparation.
I am concerned that the potential of our inland fisheries and lakes is underdeveloped. This
report proposes a number of ways to develop and maximise these natural resources. The
report shows that Ireland has an opportunity to promote a quality product.
In these difficult times some of the activities described in the report can be used to strengthen
Irish tourism.
Joe McHugh TD
Rapporteur,
7th July 2009
4
“Diversification of Inland Fisheries in our Communities”
1. Introduction
Today the Irish political agenda is dominated by the contraction of our national economy and
by our country’s spiralling unemployment crisis. The June 2009 local and European election
campaigns enabled Irish citizens to engage with and deliberate on these problems. In the
course of campaigning for party colleagues in the elections I detected a striking change in
public opinion. Today the public conversation focuses on jobs. There is consensus that our
country’s future relies on a return to first principles.
Throughout Ireland belief is developing that Ireland’s economic future lies in a return to
basics and in the regeneration of traditional Irish enterprises. This is especially true of rural
Ireland, which has been particularly affected by the degeneration of the Irish construction
industry. Our recession and our unemployment crisis have transformed public attitudes to
Ireland’s economic model.
The recommendations and observations contained in this report become interesting against
this backdrop. A report on the development of Ireland’s freshwater resources may be useful
at a time when public opinion centres on development of our primary resources and on
renewal of our primary industries.
The attractiveness of employment opportunities in the industries that drove Ireland’s recent
economic success resulted in a neglect of our country’s rich freshwater resources. Today rural
Irish communities suffer the results of the decline of traditional industries, such as salmon
fishing, which in the past, was a significant source of income and employment throughout the
country.
Some of the enterprises historically reliant on Irish freshwater resources have completely
disappeared. Pollution of our waterways, over-exploitation of fish stocks in the past, lack of
appropriate management systems for rivers and lakes and new regulations to protect fish
stocks are other important factors that have contributed to this decline. Infrastructural
5
improvement complemented by imaginative marketing would facilitate the development of a
wealth of activities on our freshwater systems that would generate considerable income for
stakeholders and for the Irish economy.
Development of the approximately 1,390 square kilometres of Irish fresh-waters would
provide a great deal of employment in this country (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/theworld-factbook/print/ei.html).
This would be of particular benefit to rural communities that have
suffered gravely from the collapse of our inland fisheries, given the implications that this
collapse had for ancillary enterprises (boat builders, maintenance personnel, fish processing,
haulage, seasonal employment). Areas traditionally associated with drift net salmon fisheries
would benefit significantly from diversification.
2. SWOT analysis of diversification inland fisheries
Strengths

Imaginative advertising of Ireland’s natural physical beauty would find strong traction
on international markets. There is great demand for (nature) walking tourism, scenic
driving, boat-tripping, and for associated outdoor pursuits. The development of such
tourism projects would generate wealth for Ireland. Of course these projects would
require monitoring: eg. Elimination of potential pollution and environmental hazards,
and the establishment of marked walkways.

Suitable waterways for the facilitation of various water-based tourism activities.

Successful environmental management in many areas, e.g. the rehabilitation of the
condition of salmon spawning beds in upper rivers.

Existing attractions and events, e.g. regattas, fly-fishing competitions, etc. which
already attract visitors to different areas.

The projected increase in domestic tourism, given the likelihood that Irish people will
be less likely to holiday abroad (because of financial constraints).
Weaknesses

People have less disposable income to spend on holidays, which may result in a
contraction of the tourism industry.
6

Poor infrastructure: e.g. Ireland’s limited number of marked walkways and nature
trails

Cross-border issues. Two regulatory environments operate on this island, which poses
problems for inter-jurisdictional tourism purveyors
Opportunities

There is scope for greater exploitation of our natural tourism infrastructure. For
example Irish sport fishing would be major draw for international tourists.

The development of Ireland’s active/athletic culture [as evidenced by the surge in
Irish gym membership in the last decade] produces greater domestic demand for
leisure-based tourism.

The willingness of struggling tourism purveyors to engage with new ideas. The State
can capitalise on this appetite by stimulating collaborative business ventures, eg:
collaborative marketing of integrated package holidays.
Threats

Ireland’s inclement and unpredictable climate.

Reduced water quality has damaged fish populations in some Irish rivers.

Mistakes by public planning agencies have resulted in the construction of some
developments which have negative visual implications.
3. Development of tourism based projects and infrastructure. Expansion and
improvement of existing tourism facilities
Existing Irish freshwater tourism activities include:

Boating holidays
The River Shannon is an example of a successful Irish boating holiday destination.
Marinas and desired amenities are in place in towns and villages along the river bank.
This could be mirrored or improved on other Irish rivers and on Irish lakes.

Canoeing
7
As Irish people enjoy more active lifestyles canoeing becomes an increasingly popular
recreational activity. Many outdoor education centres offer this sport to students and to
visitors.

Game angling (boat/bank)
Game angling is a traditional Irish hobby that is practised on hundreds of our country’s lakes
and rivers. Angling could be developed into a significant arm of Irish tourism. This would of
course require creative marketing and due regulation.

Jet-skiing
This is an increasingly popular sport on Irish marine waters and on Irish lakes. Jet-skiing
should be incorporated into Irish outdoor holiday packages and into competitive Irish outdoor
education centres.

Kayaking
River kayaking is a popular winter sport in this country. Its season runs from October to April
and is dependent on heavy flows of water in rivers. Heavy flows of water are required to
ensure that rivers are passable, challenging, and exciting. Letterkenny Kayak Club
coordinates kayaking in suitable rivers around the area, with individual kayakers placed in
rivers pursuant to their abilities.. Examples of suitable rivers in Donegal include the Rivers
Finn, Crolly, Reelan, Crana, Clady and Gweebarra.

Lakeland drives
Infrastructure is in place in some areas for lake-land and riverside driving projects. There is
room for development of waterway-based driving projects and for ancillary nature walk,
nature trail, and scenic projects.

Leisure boating
Leisure crafting requires the existence of marina and other infrastructure. The River Shannon
is serviced by this infrastructure. Several Irish lakes and large Irish rivers are ideal locations
for such developments. An increase in numbers of people on the waterways would benefit
businesses in locations with docking facilities.
8

Rafting
Rafting is the descent of a river in a small boat or raft. This is a new Irish sport and has a
narrow reach. There is large potential for the introduction of this sport throughout the
country, and for the development of rafting as an Irish tourism enterprise.

Rowing
Rowing is an activity which is becoming increasingly popular both recreationally and
competitively in Ireland. Many rowing clubs have been established at various locations
across the country. Rowing is potentially an important Irish tourism enterprise.

Sailing
Sailing is growing in popularity as a recreational activity that is enjoyed on inland waterways
and in marine environments by all Irish age groups. There are established sailing clubs for
example on Ireland’s Erne system, Lough Ree and Lough Derg. Many of these organisations
also offer training facilities to teach people how to sail. This broadens existing sailor’s
expertise, and also generates new generations of sailors each season. Recreational sailors are
joined in these sailing clubs by competitive sailors. Sailing takes place between April and
October.
Recently, there has been a positive development in this area which has helped to make this
sport more accessible for people with disabilities. The specially modified sailing programme
began in the summer of 2008 in association with Lough Derg Yacht Club, Lough Ree Yacht
Club and the SHARE Centre on Lough Erne.

Scenic boat trips
Scenic boat trips may be integrated with historical tours of an area, e.g. on Lough Gill in
Sligo, or they could be a leisurely way of viewing the stunning natural landscape of an area
from the perspective of the water. These trips could also include nature watching for bird life
and animals.

Swimming
The development of Irish cycling tourism projects and walking tourism projects would create
a natural Irish environment for triathlon events. Our inland waterways are ideal for
triathlon—swimming. Competitive sports of this nature are in increasing demand.
9

Waterside walks/cycling
Ireland can develop a flagship menu of walking and cycling tourism initiatives. Depending on
suitable weather conditions at different times of the year, many people avail of way-marked
walks and trails, climb on mountain crags and use Ordnance Survey maps to plot routes when
hill-walking. There are 130 MCI Affiliated Walking Clubs in Ireland (north and south) A
Donegal—based club is the Bluestack Ramblers, which is located near Donegal Town.

Wildlife/bird watching
Ireland is inhabited by large quantities of wildlife, and hundreds of species of birds reside on
this island. These are particularly true of our river basins and our river valleys. There is thus a
natural environment for the development of animal and bird watching tourism programmes.

Windsurfing (on lakes)
Several locations in Ireland are suitable for inland windsurfing. Examples include Lough
Neagh, the River Bann, the River Shannon and numerous other lakes and waterways around
the country.
The adoption of the proposals outlined above would stimulate the development of a viable
and a sustainable tourism industry on Ireland’s inland waterways. Rural Irish communities
have been devastated by the degeneration of our construction industry. A sustainable inland
waterways tourism industry would provide employment for those formerly employed in
construction and in other deflated Irish industries. Employment opportunities in this new
industry would also replace the jobs lost in recent years due to dwindling fish stocks.
The development of such an industry would of course require extensive research and costing,
and would necessarily be contingent on the availability of funding for the construction of
required infrastructure and facilities. Extensive marketing and advertising projects would also
be required: these would be very costly in the medium-term. Extensive marketing without
major investment in infrastructure would be unprofitable. Major investment in infrastructure
without extensive marketing would be futile.
10
Nature walking and hill walking are examples of Irish tourism enterprises which, though
limited in scope and scale, are provably profitable and sustainable. Such enterprises should be
expanded, and similar enterprises should be developed all over our island. Ireland is fortunate
to be adorned with splendid scenery and to be inhabited by rich wildlife. Our waterways
support ecosystems of great life, and it behoves us to capitalise on these.
Tourism is industrially complementary: its existence does not damage or inhibit other
industries. The development of our inland waterways would require due protection by a
competent conservation agency. The administration of such protection would remove the
threat of anthropogenic effects caused in waterways by excessive human interference.
The Discover Ireland illustrated below (figure 1) outlines Ireland’s existing walking routes.
Using the major urban centres as tourism hubs, there is evidently great scope for the
development of walking tourism projects.
Figure 1- Marked walking routes of Ireland (http://www.discoverireland.ie/walking.aspx)
Today Irish inland waterways tourism is largely marketed privately. This prevents existing
tourism initiatives from reaching maximum capacity. It also illustrates the inherent viability
11
of these initiatives, given that many are very successful notwithstanding their uncompetitive
marketing strategies.
Irish waterways tourism must be marketed internationally, and this marketing must be
coordinated by the State. It behoves the Department of Arts, Sport, & Tourism together with
Bord Fáilte and other publicly-funded promotional agencies to engage more fully with Irish
inland waterways tourism.
Bord Fáilte and complementary agencies must also lead a domestic marketing campaign for
inland waterways tourism. Many Irish people are not aware of the wealth of the holiday
destinations and the recreational options that are available on their own island.
The contraction of the Irish economy and the attendant reduction in budgetary funds reduce
the government’s ability to address development and management issues in the sustainable
tourism sector. Moderate investment in some projects would however initiate some smallerscale inland waterways tourism projects. These projects would increase economic activities in
regional areas, which would create regional employment, which would in turn fortify regional
retail sectors. Moderate investment in inland waterways tourism would stimulate the Irish
economy.
Ireland, notably, is one of the few European countries that have not introduced an identifiable
stimulus package as a response to our continent’s economic recession. The implementation of
this report’s proposals would serve as a small-scale stimulus package for regional economies.
It would also follow the lead of prevailing public opinion, which is decisively of the view that
development of primary resources and basic industries will restore our economic fortunes and
our employment prospects.
4. Development of the aquaculture industry
Shellfish production is a nascent global industry that has important productive capacity.
Ireland can secure a share of the emerging shellfish market if we fulfil certain requirements.
The Cawley report, ‘Steering A New Course – Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and
Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013’, envisages a development plan for Irish
12
fisheries and aquaculture, and its adoption by the Irish government is encouraging. The report
identifies Ireland’s potential to increase output of pacific oysters, native oysters, mussel,
seabed and rope culture, clams, abalone, urchin and scallop. A dedicated shellfish hatchery is
desirable. Over 90% of oyster seed required for the Irish industry is currently imported.
Today this country is not producing scallop spat in hatchery.
Today numerous Irish inshore-managed fisheries are exploring the possibility of developing
shellfish-based enterprises, and the number of prospective investors is increasing. There are
some complications however: shellfish production relies heavily on the ready availability of
seed and juveniles. Most Irish bays are associated with traditional oyster and scallop
fisheries. However these fisheries have suffered from depletion and, in some cases, from
complete exhaustion.
Sustainable, self-recruiting fisheries will proceed from the availability of a critical mass of
Irish brood stock. Seed should be introduced to the Irish system, together with regulatory and
financial support from public and private sources. Such development would create
employment and revenue in peripheral areas where few other opportunities exist.
Carp, rainbow trout, brown trout, rudd, perch, and eels are some of the species of Irish fish
that are currently being successfully farmed in this country. These enterprises ought to be
used as models for new business ventures on Irish waters. Today small numbers of fish are
being farmed inland, eg: perch is farmed in mushroom houses in the midlands. There is
potential here for the emergence of a sustainable cottage industry. An Bord Iascaigh Mhara
(BIM) has researched market viability of Irish cod, seahorse, abalone, and sea-urchin
production. The BIM research concludes that there is potential for development of Irish
aquaculture’s freshwater fish industry and Irish aquaculture’s shellfish industry. Fish
preparation and fish packaging are some of the potential ancillary enterprises.
5. Improvement of awareness and education concerning our freshwater resources
Ireland would benefit from the introduction of educational water—based learning activities
into our primary and post-primary school curricula. As our country and its environment
13
develop it is important that information about pollution of waterways and its implications on
the lifecycle of fish (eg: salmon’s return to freshwaters for spawning) is communicated to the
public. Citizens should be conscious of the need to preserve the ecosystems with which we
co-habit on this island. The management of river catchments would benefit materially from
the introduction of such educational programmes in Irish schools.
Several outdoor adventure and educational centres are in place throughout Ireland today.
These institutions are creating environmental awareness in the areas in which they are
situated. Some of these outdoor education centres in Ireland are located in:

Achill

Birr

Baltinglass

Cappanlea

Gartan

Kilfinane

Kinsale

Petersburg

Schull

Sheilbaggan
Figure 2 – Locations of Outdoor Education Centres in
the Republic of Ireland (http://www.oec.ie/)
Some of the outdoor education centres in Northern Ireland are:

Ardnabannon Outdoor Education Centre

BELB - Drumalla Outdoor Education Centre

Bushmills Outdoor Education Centre

Cabra Towers OEC

Gortatole Outdoor Education Centre

Killowen Outdoor Education Centre

Shannaghmore Outdoor Education Centre

Woodhall Outdoor Education Centre
14
The integration of outdoor/environmental education into the school curriculum would of
course be contingent on the availability of public funding for the development of existing and
new outdoor education centres. Advantages would proceed from collaboration between
schools and outdoor education centres: practical outdoor learning would complement and
enrich textbook learning in the classroom. Certain Irish locations are especially suitable for
the establishment of such Outdoor Education Centre. ‘The Sanctuary’ on the River Finn, Co.
Donegal, is a case in point.
Today Ireland has an opportunity to capitalise on a demand for training for recreational
inland fishing. As fly-fishing and other forms of angling become increasingly popular,
demand for the introduction of fly-fishing courses, and gilly – training grows. Our lack of
such training facilities is exemplified by the absence of any facility from the North-West
region. The negative implications of this absence of training is illustrated by the experience
of Glenmore Rivers LLP in Donegal. This company pays travel and accommodation
expenses [as well as wages] to British and continental gillies, who are required as guides for
customers and visitors. This contravenes the spirit of small indigenous Irish industry, where
there is a culture of locally-based employment. The establishment of training facilities would
increase employment opportunities in Ireland’s regions.
6. Discussion of setting attainable standards to improve the environmental
conditions and issues concerning our freshwater environments
Scotland’s implementation of an inland waterways management scheme demonstrates the
benefits of improved infrastructure and environmental conditions. Professional Scottish
organisations focus solely on managing the conservation and protection of that country’s
inland fisheries. Many of these conservative techniques are intuitive: some of the
management schemes deployed by Scottish organisations are based on techniques that have
been passed on by generations of Scottish fishermen. This mirrors the Irish tradition of
drift/draft net salmon fishing.
Public assent and tangible benefits confer legitimacy on public policy. Today the regulatory
environment that governs Ireland’s inland waterways is a source of disharmony in the inland
fisheries sector. Stakeholders require a more coordinated local, national, and cross-border
15
approach. The principle of subsidiarity must underpin the regulation of inland waterways in
this country. Greater consistency in the implementation of regulations is also required from
all relevant agencies. The restrictions imposed on Ireland’s estuary (eg: the cessation of driftnet salmon fishing) have resulted in significant unemployment in relevant communities,
which has fostered hostility towards the State and its agencies. This hostility is compounded
by the failure of these regulations to protect fish stocks. This situation is mirrored upstream to
the source of the river. Regulation of fish stocks must be implemented and observed from sea
to river source.
Fish counters are a good method of recording the numbers of fish migrating in Irish rivers.
Counters on selected rivers usefully indicate the cumulative situation regarding stock
statistics for catchment areas. These counters must be regularly serviced and require
maintenance to avert the accumulation of river debris etc. Accuracy in recording fish
numbers is important, given the bearing of fish numbers on the creation of fisheries’
regulations. This accuracy is also required given the need to facilitate fishing without
damaging stocks. For example, a fish-count over a period of time is much lower than its true
value if the fish counter is damaged by the failure to correct damages caused by floating tree
branches etc. Fishing of an area may resultantly be unnecessarily closed to protect fish stocks.
The ready availability of fish numbers passing through a fish counter would be of
considerable benefit to tourism. The publication of fish numbers on dedicated tourism
websites would promote various forms of angling and fishing tourism.
Catch and release fishing ought to be promoted in all areas and fishing of any description
should be prohibited in areas where spawning occurs. A successful catch and release policy
was put into practice on the River Dee in Scotland. Fish stocks have noticeably improved in
recent years. Gillies employed on the River Dee suggest that the increase in fish numbers is
attributable to the implementation of strict catch-and-release regulations.
Protection from fishermen is required for fish exhausted by upstream swimming to spawning
grounds. Moreover too much pressure is brought to bear on fish stocks in rivers fished by
16
excessive numbers of fishermen. Proper management would result in the more effective
utilization of rivers by tourists, with fish stocks being allowed rejuvenate.
‘The Sanctuary’ of Donegal’s River Finn features a bottleneck where fish travelling upstream
to spawn struggle to surmount a high jump. Last year the Lough’s Agency closed the
approximately 200-metre fishery as a response to this. This action ought to have been taken
in the past, given the excessive fishing that took place at The Sanctuary in previous fishing
seasons. Stocks have been harmed on the River Finn over a long period of time, and there is
evidence of fishermen hooking fish in the belly, without waiting for fish to bite on their lines.
The closure of the river to fishermen increases survival prospects for fish, and facilitates the
return of fish to spawning grounds. This benefit should be complemented by greater control
of fisheries further upstream in the shallow waters close to spawning beds. This would
increase the numbers of spawning fish, which would result in the rejuvenation of fish stock in
the medium-long term.
Fishing method has a significant influence on the survival of fish caught by sport fishermen.
Bait-fishing often results in the swallowing of bait by fish. Fly-fishing methods generally
result in the hooking of the fish’s mouth. The second method is naturally desirable. Trained
gillies on rivers thus play a vital role in the management and protection of fish stocks. Gillies
serve to promote fly-fishing as a better method of capture, whilst also monitoring and
administering catch-and-release policies.
The protection of fish in our rivers and lakes is necessarily prior to future restoration of fish
numbers in Irish freshwater system. Organisations such as the Loughs Agency oversee the
implementation and enforcement of rules and regulations regarding fisheries. The Loughs
Agency administers regulation in the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas (see Figure 3).
They are an effective regulatory mechanism, often organisations such as the Loughs Agency
are overstretched.
The employment of private bailiffs by the owners of fishing rights on rivers and lakes for the
policing of fisheries is an option that ought to be examined in detail. This would serve to
17
reinforce the system already in place and would dramatically decrease the number of illegally
caught fish in all areas.
Figure 3 - Loughs Agency catchment area (www.loughs-agency.org)
Regular assessment of water quality is a necessary tool in the fight against pollution,
especially in more susceptible areas close to towns and cities, etc. The close regulation of
pollution content of water ensures easy traceability of pollution sources. This facilitates the
early elimination of agents likely to harm ecosystems.
Consultation with local stakeholders ought to be central to research projects and surveys
conducted on Irish inland waterways and fisheries. Exclusively scientific research is probably
flawed, given its failure to account for economic, social, and traditional considerations.
Together with informing individuals about legal and regulatory alterations that materially
affect their livelihoods, this process would also include stakeholders in the decision-making
process. The benefits of such inclusion are manifold: local involvement informs decisionmaking with local knowledge and with practical experiences, and involvement in decision—
making gives stakeholders a sense of ownerships.
Conclusion
7. Discussion of possible barriers to the development and implementation of
proposed diversification projects
Funding is the biggest barrier to development and implementation of proposed diversification
projects. In March 2008 Ireland became the first country in the eurozone to enter economic
recession. Today unemployment exceeds 400,000, and is forecasted to exceed 15% by mid18
2010. Several other issues stymie the establishment and development of diversification
projects. Some of these include:

Major infrastructural deficits. There is a dearth of existing walkways along Irish river
banks and lakes, and there are few roads for lake-land drives, etc.

Lack of centralized sectoral management. Planning for inland waterways and fisheries
is distinctively incoherent and uncoordinated.

Inadequate and inconsistent legislation. National and local government must address
the legislative deficit that exists in this area. Fishery regulations operate in an
incoherent environment: there isn’t a coherent regulatory framework.
.

Irish weather. Because we can’t change the weather we must change to suit the
weather. Some of this report’s recommendations depend on clement weather. Other
activities discussed in this report (eg. kayaking and sailing) benefit from inclement
wind and rain.

Reliance on external factors. Many of the activities recommended in this report would
be redundant and loss-making without aggressive marketing and advertising. Other
injurious factors include pollution & development.

Diseconomies-of-scale. The presence of large numbers of tourists would harm some
of the projects. Pollution from litter, sewage outflow pipes, and disruption of natural
ecosystems would undermine the natural environments on which these projects
depend.

Overfishing. The overfishing of estuaries would be problematic. Strict regulation of
fishing on estuaries is in place today. The freshwater system and fish stocks will only
benefit from this with more effective implementation of these regulations. For
example there is currently no limit to the number of fishermen/rods entitled to fish a
stretch of Irish river at any given time. Rivers ought to be sectioned into 1-2km beats,
with gillies taking responsibility for clusters of fishermen in each beat. . This would
serve three important functions:
19
o Employment would be created [for gillies]
o More accurate monitoring and recording of fish caught/caught & released
o The presence of fishermen/gillies on the riverbank would deter poaching

Predators. Mink and cormorants are threatening fish stocks in many of Ireland’s
inland loughs. It behoves legislators and regulators to develop policy to combat this
threat. Today marine fisheries are threatened by the explosion of the Irish seal
population on our estuaries. The congregation of these seals at river mouths endangers
fish that return to spawning beds, and endangers juvenile fish leaving the spawning
beds to travel to the open sea. The populations of salmon, shellfish and several species
of course fish are suffering because of this.

Water quality has become an issue in Irish industrial and residential regions.
Management and control of pollutants is required in order to prevent the damage of
ecosystems in freshwater environments by anthropogenic waste in the water.

Fish spawning is threatened by the proximity of spawning grounds to forestry
plantations. Extensive drainage of plantations has resulted in flash flooding of
spawning grounds when water runs downstream too quickly. The sowing of broadleaded trees along the edges of rivers counteracts this issue, and this ought to be a
term of reference for Irish planning authorities.

The construction of wind-farms has introduced the phenomenon of regular bog slides
to Ireland. Water quality in upstream areas close to wind farms are threatened by this.
This issue must be a term of reference for Irish planning authorities.

Marketing. Weather forecasts, size of daily/weekly fish catch ought to be readily
available and regularly updated through accessible tourism media. Website such as
www.discoverireland.ie ought to feature such information.

Water shortage. Today it is proposed to address Dublin’s water shortage problem by
piping water from the River Shannon to our capital city. The removal of vast
quantities of water from our largest river would naturally have significant
20
implications for ecosystems on the River Shannon and its tributaries. It could also
have implications for existing and potential tourism enterprises on those rivers.
Tourism is an important source of income for Irish riverside communities. Reservoirs
for rainwater and surface runoff from mountains are sustainable alternatives. Such
developments would create short-term employment (construction) and long-term
employment (maintenance & treatment). Such schemes could also generate hydro
electricity.
Funding and regulatory challenges are the two major barriers to the development of inland
waterway and inland fisheries diversification projects. Meeting these two challenges are
critical: addressing promotional, insurance, and educational deficits would be less
problematic.
8. Benefits of diversification of the inland fisheries to local communities and the
national economy
Potential benefits of the diversification of inland fisheries to our local communities and to the
national exchequer include:

Richer fish stocks. The intensification of sport fishing as an Irish tourism product
would require the improvement of our fish stocks. This is probably achievable and
would proceed from policing fisheries from source to sea, the prohibition of fishing
on spawning grounds, limiting numbers of fishermen per beat/stretch of river,
promotion of fly and catch & release fishing, management of freshwater quality,
educational promotion, increased numbers of bailiffs and gillies, and improvement of
spawning conditions. The placing of gravel in spawning areas and the introduction of
gradual stepping at particularly high parts of the rivers are two ways of improving
spawning conditions.

Creating and expanding successful resources in the country such as Outdoor
Education Centres would create employment, promote awareness of our freshwater
systems, and promote freshwater sports and activities. Ireland already has a menu of
such successful resources.
21

Fly fishing courses should be better promoted. They could be run earlier in the season
in different areas before the fisheries are open. Ireland can use its irregular fishing
season to develop a share of the continental fly-fishing market. The fishing season for
sports fishermen in Iceland, Sweden, Germany, and in Italy begins later in the
calendar year. Courses could also be run for novices in the sport, which general
regional and national interest in the sport. International demand for Irish fly-fishing
products would inject money into our economy [flights, accommodation, food and
beverages, transportation, other services]

Smoking and packaging of fish caught by tourists. This would be a viable parttime/full-time business opportunity in communities close to lake and river fisheries.
Tourists often like to eat the fish that they catch.

The establishment of a new business in an area is of local economic benefit.
Employment is created, and the businesses attract new customers to the local area,
which benefits other local businesses.

Collaboration. Diversification of fisheries would be an opportunity for tourism
purveyors to cut costs [through collaborative promotion, advertising, transport,
service infrastructure etc]. It is easier to promote a package than a stand-alone
product.
22
References

Blakely, D.R. and Hrusa, C.T. (1989) Inland Aquaculture Development Handbook,
Fishing News Books, Oxford

Cawley, N., Murrin, J. and O’Bric, R. (2005) ‘Steering A New Course – Strategy for a
Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013’.
Pages:198

Collins, L. Aquaculture Initiative – North West News, July, 2008

Cowx, L.G. (ed.) (1996) Stock Assessment In Inland Fisheries, Fishing News Books,
Oxford

Gallagher, J. North West Shellfish

Glenmore Rivers LLP

Hough, J. Sunday Tribune, 3 August, 2008

http://homepage.tinet.ie/~jwa/spots_inland.html

http://www.cfb.ie/fisheries_research/biodiversity/anglingmarketing.htm

http://www.ireland-salmon-fishing.net/News/news%2001-11-06.htm

http://www.iwai.ie/nav/barrow.html#contents

http://www.salmonfishingireland.com/

http://www.sportni.org/Publications/documents/Adventure_Activities_in_NI_report_1
_-_Statistical_Account_of_Providers_with_Questionnaire.pdf
23

http://www.waterwaysireland.org/index.cfm/section/article/page/AccessibleSailin

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/ei.html

https://www.esri.ie/UserFiles/publications/20070209094613/WP162_version%20date
d%2025nov04.pdf

Marine Institute (1999) ‘A Framework for the Development of Tourism and Leisure
on The Marine and Inland Waters of County Donegal’, Marine Institute, Dublin

Northern Regional Fisheries Board and Donegal County Development Board (2002)
‘Outline Proposal for the Development and Management of Angling in Donegal –
Consultation Document’, Northern Regional Fisheries Board

Reynolds, J.D. (ed.) (1996) The Conservation of Aquatic Systems, Royal Irish
Academy, Dublin

Tourism Development International (2005) ‘A Strategy and Action Plan for the
Development of Marine Tourism and Leisure in Lough Foyle and Carlingford Areas’,
Tourism Development International, Dublin

Welcomme, R.L. (2001) Inland Fisheries – Ecology and Management, Fishing News
Books, Oxford

www.loughs-agency.org
Appendix A
24
Dáil Éireann on 23 October 2007 ordered:
“(1) (a) That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources consisting of 11 members of Dáil
Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider (i)
such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources;
(ii)
such Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department
of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources;
(iii)
such proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within
the meaning of Standing Order 159, concerning the approval by Dáil
Éireann of the terms of international agreements involving a charge on
public funds; and
(iv)
such other matters
as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time;
(v)
Annual Output Statements produced by the Department
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; and
of
(vi)
such Value for Money and Policy Reviews conducted and
commissioned by the Department of Communications, Energy and
Natural Resources as it may select.
(b) For the purpose of its consideration of matters under paragraphs (1)(a)(i), (iii), (iv),
(v) and (iv), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order
83(1), (2) and (3).
(c) For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the
Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 92(1), the Minister for
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (or a Minister or Minister of State
nominated in his or her stead) shall be entitled to vote.
(2)
The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by
Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and
Natural Resources to consider -
25
(i)
such public affairs administered by the Department of
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources as it may select,
including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of
that Department;
(ii)
such matters of policy, including EU related matters, for which the
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is
officially responsible as it may select;
(iii)
such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are
partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or
appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;
(iv)
such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Communications,
Energy and Natural Resources and laid before both Houses of the
Oireachtas as it may select;
(v)
such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be
referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order
83(4);
(vi)
the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources pursuant
to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act 1997, and for
which the Joint Committee is authorised for the purposes of section 10
of that Act;
(vii)
such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law
and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies
specified in paragraphs 2(i) and (iii), and the overall operational
results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it
may select;
Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter
relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be
considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of
that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993;
Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public
session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested
either by the body concerned or by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources; and
26
(viii) such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by
both Houses of the Oireachtas,
and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.
(3)
The Joint Committee shall have the power to require that the Minister for
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (or a Minister or Minister of State
nominated in his or her stead) shall attend before the Joint Committee and provide, in
private session if so desired by the Minister or Minister of State, oral briefings in
advance of EU Council meetings to enable the Joint Committee to make known its
views.
(4)
The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a
member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.
(5)
The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 83(1) to (9)
inclusive.
(6)
The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall
also be Chairman of the Select Committee.”
27
Seanad Éireann on 24 October 2007 ordered:
“(1) That a Select Committee consisting of 4 members of Seanad Éireann shall be
appointed to be joined with a Select Committee of Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Committee
on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to consider –
(i)
such public affairs administered by the Department of Communications, Energy and
Natural Resources as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under
the aegis of that Department;
(viii) such matters of policy, including EU related matters, for which the
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is
officially responsible as it may select;
(ix)
such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are
partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or
appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;
(x)
such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Communications,
Energy and Natural Resources and laid before both Houses of the
Oireachtas as it may select;
such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be
referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order
70(4);
(xi)
(xii)
the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources pursuant
to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and for
which the Joint Committee is authorised for the purposes of section 10
of that Act;
(xiii) such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law
and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies
specified in paragraphs 1(i) and (iii), and the overall operational
results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it
may select;
Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such
a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the
Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or
the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993;
Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session,
or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the
body or by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; and
28
(viii) such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of
the Oireachtas,
and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.
(7)
The Joint Committee shall have the power to require that the Minister for
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (or a Minister or Minister
of State nominated in his or her stead) shall attend before the Joint
Committee and provide, in private session if so desired by the Minister or
Minister of State, oral briefings in advance of EU Council meetings to
enable the Joint Committee to make known its views.
(8)
The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a
member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.
(9) The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 70(1) to (9)
inclusive.
(10) The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.”
29
Appendix B
Membership of the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy
and Natural Resources
Deputies:
M. J. Nolan
Noel Coonan
Simon Coveney
Michael D’Arcy
Jimmy Devins
Peter Kelly
Mattie McGrath
Joe McHugh
Liz McManus
Michael Moynihan
John Browne
FF
FG
FG
FG
FF
FF
FF
FG
Lab
FF
FF
Chairman
Opposition Convenor
Vice Chair
Government Convenor
Senators:
Maria Corrigan
Joe O’Reilly
Joe O’Toole
Jim Walsh
FF
FG
Ind
FF
*Deputy MJ Nolan replaced Deputy John Cregan by order of the Dáil on and was elected
Chairman on the 5 June 2008.
**Deputy John Browne replaced Deputy Peter Power by order of the Dáil on 5th June 2008
***Deputy Jimmy Devins replaced Deputy Brendan Kenneally by order of the Dáil on 10th
July 2009
30