Fisheries Protection

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Questions (21)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

21. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason the Shannon Fisheries Region (Close Season for Draft Netting of Trout on Lough Ree) Bye-Law (No. 284) 2006 was never subject to a full appropriate assessment screening when drafted to ensure compliance with the requirements of Regulation 31 of the now repealed European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997) (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46190/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

At the time this bye-law was formulated by the legacy Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, environmental and conservation considerations were integrated directly into the biological reviews, policy drafting and public consultation processes.

This bye-law was introduced strictly to implement a High Court ruling regarding traditional commercial draft net licensing on Lough Ree. It acted as a restrictive mechanism, introducing conservation controls such as a 30 cm minimum size limit and weekend close seasons to protect local trout stocks.

As set out to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 344 of 9 June 2026, licensed commercial draft net activity operating on Lough Ree under this framework is subject to appropriate assessment screening before operations are authorised.