Invasive Species Policy

Thursday, 27 March 2025

Questions (309)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

309. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many Ministerial consents (ARC 02 stocking or re-stocking of fish) have been issued to Inland Fisheries Ireland under S.I. No. 545/2018 - European Union Habitats (Lough Arrow Special Area of Conservation) Regulations 2018 for the re-stocking of invasive pike into Lough Arrow SAC during stock management operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14886/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The ARC process for granting Ministerial consents for certain activities as provided for under the Birds and Natural Habitats Directive, is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department. The NPWS has confirmed that no Ministerial consents/ARCs for the stocking or restocking of fish have been issued to Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to Lough Arrow SAC.

It should be noted that certain activities such as scientific research, fishery development and fishery restocking, require a Section 14 Authorisation under the Fisheries Act from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Where the proposed activity requires such a consent, further consent under Regulation 30 of the Birds and Natural Habitats Directive - an ARC - would not be required.