The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has said this week he will instruct Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to consider the need for a bye-law restricting fishing in the proximity of Fermoy Weir.
Minister Denis Naughten was responding to a parliamentary question from Cork East TD, Kevin O’Keeffe, who asked the minister if he would impose a ban on fishing within 64 meters of the weir.
Deputy O’Keeffe said this measure was requested by members of Fermoy Town & District Angling Club, Fermoy Course Anglers Association and Fermoy Game Anglers Association.
He asked the minister if his attention had been drawn to the fact that this ban is very necessary ‘to protect the salmon and other fish migrating upriver’.
He also asked the minister if he was aware that as late as mid-August, two persons were seen fishing at this weir and that this is one of a few remaining weirs at which fishing is still permitted.
In response, Minister Naughten said he has requested the IFI to consider the need for a bye-law as Deputy O’Keeffe suggested and to provide him with ‘appropriate scientific and management advice’.
“I have been informed by IFI that no requests for such a measure on behalf of the local angling groups has been received. One local individual recently indicated his intention to submit a proposal for a bye-law restricting angling in the area of the fish pass, once planned remedial works to be carried out by the Local Authority to repair a breach in the weir cap are complete. While I understand that the Local Authority has not commenced the proposed works, I will have IFI consider the matter,” the Minister concluded.
