Special Areas of Conservation

Tuesday, 22 October 2024

Questions (138)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

138. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the damaging anthropogenic introduction of highly invasive fish species such as perch and bream into rivers that feed The Gearagh Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a unique alluvial forest in County Cork, has been recently highlighted on RTÉ Radio One, if he and his officials in the Inland Fisheries Division will continue to protect these non-native fish under the Coarse Fish Conservation Bye-Law (No. 806) 2006 contrary to the EU Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43162/24]

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Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

As the Deputy is aware, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in conjunction with my Department, is carrying out a review of relevant inland fisheries bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their continued application. Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 is being examined and reviewed as part of this exercise. The review process will consider relevant legal acts of the European Union including the EU Habitats and Water Framework Directives.