Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
175. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the inland fisheries division of his Department will be a viable entity into the future considering how dysfunctional inland fisheries policies are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35540/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do not accept the Deputy's characterisation of inland fisheries policies. As a matter of fact it is a time of enormous opportunity for the inland fisheries section of my Department and for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) more generally. My Department is progressing the development of a draft policy framework for the Inland Fisheries sector, while IFI is also progressing its 2026–2030 Corporate Plan. This alignment presents a timely opportunity to shape a shared vision for the future of the sector in recognising the vital role inland fisheries play in biodiversity, recreation, and rural economies, and this programme of work will provide a strong strategic foundation to guide sustainable development and resource management in the years ahead.
Moreover, as the Deputy will be aware, a full new Board and Chairperson of IFI were appointed last year and have been active in overseeing the implementation of the recommendations and programmes of work that were provided for in the Governance Review of IFI. An independent follow-up review - to examine the extent to which the recommendations have been adequately implemented and embedded in IFI - will be commissioned at a later date. These important developments underpin the positive renewal of inland fisheries policy and governance in recent times and my Department will continue to play a vital role in the sustainable development of the sector.
