Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2016
428. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the results of the survey of the River Barrow conducted by Inland Fisheries Ireland will be published in view of the fact that publication of same was expected in July 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38492/16]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) carried out a catchment wide fish stock survey in the River Barrow catchment between June 29th and August 13th 2015. The main channel and all major sub-catchments were surveyed to assess fish status. A total of 119 sites in 20 tributary streams (Aughnavaud, Burren, Clashganny, Cushina, Douglas, Duiske, Figile, Greese, Lerr, Mountain, Owenass, Pollmounty, Slate, Stradbally, Triogue, Tully, Fushoge, Gowran, Madlin and Monefelim) were electrofished.
A total of 33 sites were surveyed on the main river channel between Rathcoffey near Mountmellick, Co. Laois and St. Mullins, Co. Carlow.
Dace, salmon, roach, minnow, perch, gudgeon, brown trout, pike, eel, stone loach, roach x bream hybrids, 3-spine stickleback and flounder were recorded during the survey. Roach and dace were dominant in many sections of the main channel, while juvenile salmon were common in the upper reaches. In general brown trout and salmon were the most common fish species in the tributary streams.
Following the extensive field work a considerable amount of laboratory work and data analysis to verify and collate results was required in order to prepare and publish a report of the survey works and its outcomes. It is expected that the final report will be available for dissemination at the end of next month.
