|
Press Statements 2001
Press Statements Archive
Proposed Bridge over the River Shannon at Plassy
Date: July 13th, 2001
Contact: Eamon Cusack - Chief Executive Officer
Tel: 061 455171 or 087 2425017
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board at its recent Board Meeting expressed concern at the proposal to construct a bridge across the River Shannon at Plassy, Co Limerick in an area traditionally regarded as one of the finest salmon angling sections of the River Shannon.
The bridge if constructed will have a negative impact on the fishery during the construction phase and on-going impact on this renowned fishery in the long term.
The Board has called on developers of this project, University of Limerick, to review its proposals and to move the bridge upstream to a less contentious area. The bridge can be moved upstream without a negative impact on the river or the local environment and can still meet the needs of the University.
The expansion of the University of Limerick is welcomed by the Board, however the continuing development of the facilities at UL need not be at the expense of the environment and traditional salmon angling.
The Board calls upon the Clare and Limerick County Councils to ensure that the fishery environment and traditional salmon angling is protected in this proposed development.
END
SHANNON
REGIONAL FISHERIES BOARD
Water quality most serious threat
Success
on River Maigue
Press Release Dated 4th May 2001:
Water quality still remains the most serious threat facing fisheries in the Shannon region according to the Annual Report of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board which has just been published. While reported fish kills were down on the previous year, the report highlights that the main pollution threat continues to come from agricultural run-off and farm waste management
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board acknowledges the increased heightening of awareness among the agricultural community, stating that much progress has been made. It specifically points to the success of the initiative on the river Maigue where the Fisheries Board staff and farmers are working together to combat pollution threats
The implementation of the EU Water Framework is seen as a highly significant step in improving water quality. The Board looks forward to working with the Department of the Environment and Local Government to see that it is fully operational
According to Eamon Cusack, CEO of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, “water quality and the consequential pollution threats continue to be our biggest concern. We are moving in the right direction, but it is becoming increasingly clear that total habitat regeneration programmes are required for many rivers and the resources must be provided to see them implemented
The Annual Report outlines the extensive operational aspects of the Board last year. Covering one of the largest areas of inland fisheries in the country, stretching from North Kerry to Leitrim, it is at the coalface in preserving and developing the fishing resource in the region. 2000 saw for the first time the Board membership expanding to 22 members, representing a far wider community base and focus.
Tourism
Angling Initiative
Highlights for the year include the continuing success of investment programmes under TAM (Tourism Angling Initiative). Almost £2 million was spent on 24 angling projects, improving fish habitat in a number of catchments, resulting in a 3 to 4 fold increase in junvenile stocks. While on coarse fisheries the work involved development of improved access, increased angling spaces, facilities for disabled anglers, foot bridges, stands and car parks. Much work was undertaken in promoting the Shannon region as a prime location for tourism angling. The Dutch King of Clubs competition, for example, brought over 160 anglers to a stretch of the Shannon at Portumna, where 13.5 tonnes of fish were caught, a new Irish match record.
Success
of Mulkear
The Report also outlines the continuing success of the Mulkear Catchment Management Initiative. This is one of the pilot projects under the National Catchment Management Initiative, a process involving key stakeholders and interest groups coming together to secure the sustainable development of a river and its surrounding environment. Under the direction of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, the Mulkear Catchment Management Initiative is among the most successful currently run by any of the Regional Fisheries Boards
In reviewing the year, Eamon Cusack paid tribute to the work of the Board and the dedication and professionalism of staff. He also stated that 2000 had been a challenging but satisfying year for the Board: “we are responsible for the conservation and sustainable development of a precious resource in the Shannon region, which in itself brings many challenges. There is a growing awareness among all citizens that the future of our inland fisheries will be in doubt unless we all work together to ensure its sustainability, particularly concerning water quality”.
ENDS
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Investigates Fish Kill near Lixnaw, Co Kerry - dated March 30th, 2001
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board yesterday investigated a fish kill on the Clondouglas River, a tributary of the River Brick near Lixnaw, Co Kerry. Staff were acting on reports received to head office in Limerick and also by the Gardai in Listowel.
Investigations and enquiries found that a discharge of a large amount of effluent had occurred from an agricultural source.
Initially staff recovered small numbers of Salmon and Trout downstream of the discharge point and further inspections downstream and into the River Brick are ongoing. The Board has taken samples for analysis and further action wuill follow pending result of this analaysis.
END
For further comment contact Mr Eamon Cusack, Chief Executive Officer Tel: 061 455171 or 087 2425017
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board restrictions on Angling due to the Foot and Mouth Disease
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board acting on the Guidelines issued by the Department of Marine and Natural Resources on Angling and the Foot and Mouth Disease controls, announce the following restrictions, which will be under constant review. Full Report
Fahy Urges Utmost Caution from Anglers
· Department Issues Stringent Foot and Mouth Control Guidelines
Thursday, 22 March 2001
Frank Fahey T.D., Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources has today announced stringent guidelines in relation to angling and Foot and Mouth Disease Controls. The guidelines will be applicable from midnight tonight when the ban on angling is lifted.
The
Minister urged those involved in angling to observe the guidelines with the
utmost care saying, “The news this
morning from Co. Louth has been a major disappointment to everyone in the
country. However, I have
considered the lifting of the ban on angling very carefully with my colleagues
in Government and in consultation with the various interested parties.
I am confident that the measures now being taken reflect a sensible and
balanced approach to what is a very difficult situation.”
The
Department’s guidelines follow the recommendations of the Expert Group in
relation to FMD controls and have been prepared by the Minister’s Department
in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Development, the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation and the Central
and Regional Fisheries Boards. They are applicable to all persons involved in
the angling sector including domestic and visiting anglers, fisheries boards,
private fishery owners and tourism angling promoters.
The guidelines advise anglers to refrain from fishing where this involves entry onto land to which animals of susceptible species and further recommend the postponement of all angling competitions. In addition, the guidelines discourage anglers from the UK and other countries where FMD infection has been confirmed from travelling to Ireland.
Minister Fahey added, “I would urge all anglers to observe the guidelines with the utmost diligence. If we all strive together, as we have done to date, I am confident we can keep this menace at bay.”
These guidelines are subject to ongoing review and/or change.
Full details of the guidelines are below.
Guidelines on Resumption of Angling - Issued March 22nd, 2001
The following guidelines are based
on the recommendations of the Expert Group in relation to FMD controls and
have been prepared by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in
consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development,
the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation and the Central and Regional
Fisheries Boards. The
guidelines are applicable to all persons involved in the angling sector
including domestic and visiting anglers, fisheries boards, private fishery
owners and tourism angling promoters.
The content and application of the guidelines will be kept under constant review particularly in the light of further recommendations of the Expert Group which is now faced with the reality that the FMD virus is present in Ireland.
· Anglers should, until further notice, refrain from fishing where this involves entry onto land to which animals of susceptible species may have had access since 1 February 2001. Susceptible species are cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer.
· Eel fishing should not take place until further notice.
· All angling competitions should be postponed for the present due to the likelihood of attracting persons who are in the highest risk groups for the spread of the FMD virus.
· Fishing activity should not take place within any area declared by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to be a restricted zone.
|
Guidelines in relation to Angling and Foot & Mouth Disease controls |
Prior to undertaking fishing activities, the operators of angling facilities, including sea angling, should consult with their local regional fisheries board in relation to fishing access points and fishing protocols. Angling clubs and individual anglers should consult with their local regional fisheries board in relation to specific areas of intended fishing activity prior to commencing fishing. The Fisheries Boards will assist in designating suitable fishing areas where practicable.
Anglers who wish to use baits consisting of organic material e.g. maggots, larvae, worms, etc., should only use such baits where they can be sure that all the material has been sourced in the State and not from a restricted zone. Imported organic baits should not be used.
Anglers from the UK and other countries where FMD infection has been confirmed should be discouraged from travelling to Ireland especially those who may have had any contact with susceptible species.
Fisheries owners and managers should ensure that access to their fisheries is confined to anglers who comply with these guidelines and any guidelines issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
Fisheries Boards may resume stocking and transfer of fish where necessary subject to non-entry onto agricultural land and the use of disinfectant in accordance with Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development guidelines. Fisheries Board staff should continue to avoid unnecessary entry onto agricultural land. Where entry onto agricultural land is necessary they shall comply with the guidelines issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
Operators of angling facilities should comply with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development guidelines regarding appropriate disease control notices and disinfection facilities. In addition, those in the highest risk groups (i.e. those involved in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors) along with people from restricted zones must follow the specific guidelines for these groups issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
Issued 22/3/01
Shannon
Regional Fisheries Board Press Statement
Date:
March 16, 2001
Contact :
Eamon Cusack, Chief
Executive Officer
Phone:
061 455171 or 087 2425017
The
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board welcomes the Ministers statement lifting
the ban on angling from the 23rd March.
We
appreciate the contribution made by the Angling Community over the past few weeks and while the Bye
Law will be revoked on the 23rd we cannot relax our guard against
the threat of the Foot and Mouth Disease.
We
request Angling Community to continue to play their part by adhering to the
guidelines set down by the Department of Marine and Natural Resources which
can be seen in full on our Web Site. www.shannon-fishery-board.ie as soon as
they become available.
Fahey announces lifting of Ban on Angling
- Statement dated March 16th, 2001
Guidelines replace legal ban and angling allowed from next weekend
Frank Fahey T.D., Minister for the Marine & Natural Resources, this
afternoon
announced that following the recommendations of the Expert Group in relation
to
Foot & Mouth Disease Controls, he would lift the nationwide prohibition on
all
forms of angling with effect from next Friday, the 23rd of March.
The Minister said that
From next Friday, angling may be resumed under guidelines
which are being finalised by my Department in consultation with the Department
of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, the Department of Tourism, Sport
and Recreation and the Fisheries Boards.
Under the new guidelines angling will be permitted where it does not involve
access to land to which susceptible animals may have had access. Susceptible
animals are cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer. The Minister said that this
in effect, will mean the recommencement of; sea angling; · river and
lake angling from boats launched from piers, jetties and slipways to which
certain animals have not had access; and, angling from roads, car parks,
purpose built angling facilities, bridges, towpaths and in other urban areas.
However, in accordance with the recommendations of the Expert Group, fishing
activities involving entry onto agricultural land must continue to be avoided
until further notice. Thus, fishing from river banks and other areas accessed
through farmland or areas to which susceptible animals may have had access,
will be actively discouraged.
Minister Fahey added "I would like to pay tribute to anglers and
providers of related services such as tackle shops, tourism and accommodation
providers, boat owners and ghillies for their co-operation and patience in
tackling the threat of Foot & Mouth Disease and I appeal for your
continued co-operation in implementing the forthcoming guidelines."
The guidelines which will be published next week will also include advice to tourism and service providers in relation to anglers coming from outside the
State. The guidelines will be based on the Expert Groups recommendations which
state that visitors from the UK and other Foot & Mouth infected areas
should be discouraged from travelling to Ireland, especially those that may have has
contact with susceptible species. If such travel does occur, a Code of
Practice relating to disinfection of footwear, clothing, luggage, personal hygiene,
carriage of foodstuffs and travel arrangements should be observed.
ENDS.
Press Releases Dated March 9th, 2001 18.45 hrs
Contact: Eamon Cusack, Chief Executive Officer
Phone:
061 455171 or
087 2425017
The
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board are investigating a major fish kill on the
River Shannon in Limerick City. Initial reports suggest that over 10,000 fish
have died, with the largest majority being smelt,but also containing trout and
salmon.
The death of so many smelt, who are at this time entering the river
from the sea to spawn and are a rear species in Irish waters, is of major
concern to the Board.
Samples
have been taken by staff and will
be analysed over the coming days to try and ascertain what has occurred. The
Board’s staff will continue to check likely sources of the Pollution over
the weekend.
With thousands of dead fish in the river the Board requests the public not to remove the fish from the river as they may be a danger to health.
END
Statement Dated March 9th, 2001
Roinne na Mara agus Acrnhainni Nadurtha Nuacht
Recent News on Cessation of angling - March 3rd, 2001
From midnight, the 3rd March 2001, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources has made an order banning all angling activity until further notice. The order includes all forms of angling in freshwater and at sea. It also effects commercial eel fishing in freshwater. The Minister hopes that it is a short term measure and if there is no outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease confirmed in the next few weeks, he will allow anglers back out on our waters to once again enjoy our wonderful fishing. There will be details of the official document available online on our website at www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/fishing-order.htm on Monday morning next March 5th. Those on our mailing list will be sent details by email
Fisheries
Boards Advise to Cease Angling - Issued March 1st, 2001
As part of the drive to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth disease to this country, the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards have advised the following:
all anglers should refrain immediately from participating in sea and freshwater angling until further notice
No fishing permits will be issued in respect of State Fisheries until further notice
Private fishery owners are requested not to operate their fisheries until further notice
Tourism Angling promoters are advised to encourage visiting anglers to postpone their angling trips for the immediate future
All angling competitions should be cancelled until further notice.
The Fisheries Boards have ceased stocking and transfer of fish until further notice
The Chief Executive of the Central Fisheries Board, Mr. John O’Connor said “There are strong bonds between anglers and the farming community and it is imperative that anglers assist in every way possible at this critical time”
Fahy
urges anglers to stop fishing - State Fisheries closed to head off FMD risk to
farm animals
Dublin,
28 February, 2001
Frank Fahey TD, Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources has called on all anglers not to go fishing at this time as part of the drive to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease to this country.
The Minister said “that all sections of the community must play their part to counter the spread of FMD, anglers are in a particular position to help, in view of their contact with and use of farmland to access rivers and lakes”. In light of the current situation the Minister has issued the following advice:
· all anglers should refrain from fishing at this time;
· no fishing permits will be issued in respect of state fisheries until further notice;
· private fishery owners should not operate their fisheries for the moment;
· tourism angling promoters should encourage visiting anglers to postpone their angling trips for the immediate future;
· all angling competitions should be cancelled for the moment; and,
· fisheries boards will cease stocking and transfer of fish in freshwater until further notice
The Minister said “I
realise that some anglers, in particular tourist anglers, may be disappointed at
not being able to go fishing but the overall good is best served at this time by
everybody in the angling community, both domestic and overseas, co-operating and
playing their part”.
The Minister has also called on all angling clubs and organisations to encourage their members to refrain from angling at this time and to co-operate with the Fisheries Boards to avoid any risk to our livestock resource.
The Minister said that he will keep the overall situation under review in conjunction with his colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
|
|
Do a site search or use our quick search sitemaps to access selective fishing category links, and join our newsletter mailing list by clicking on news
