Proposed
Bridge over the River Shannon at Plassey
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
juvenile 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 Mulcair
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.
Prohibitions
·
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.
Where angling is permitted
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.
Baits
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.
Tourist anglers
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
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
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.
Disinfection procedures
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
ARCHIVED
PRESS STATEMENTS 1999 - 2004