Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
252. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to explain the reason Lough Corrib SAC, which is a large body of water greater than 600ha in size with strong stream connectivity, as per Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) statistical models, cannot produce surplus Atlantic salmon for the 2026 angling season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4197/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra254. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his officials will consider opening Lough Corrib SAC in 2027 for the harvesting of Atlantic salmon by rod and line angling; if his ‘catch and release’ proposal for 2026 results in a quantifiable growth in fish numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4200/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 254 together.
The classification of salmonid rivers, including the Corrib, as open for harvest, catch-and-release only, or closed is informed by the independent scientific advice of the Technical Expert Group on Salmon (TEGOS), which assesses stock status relative to conservation limits on an annual basis. Any regulatory changes to the classification of rivers for future seasons, including 2027, will be considered in light of updated advice from TEGOS. It is not possible pre-empt the outcome of such future scientific analysis or subsequent regulatory decisions.
The numbers of adult Atlantic salmon returning to Irelands rivers, as is the case across the North Atlantic countries, has declined due to multiple and cumulative pressures acting on salmon at numerous stages of its life cycle and migration phase. Stock classification is based on population-level assessments rather than on the individual physical characteristics of a river or fishery, such as the size of a water body or its connectivity.
