THE Inland Fisheries Bill 2009has moved a step closer to implementation with the passing of the Billthrough Dáil Éireann last month. It is scheduled for the Seanad on April 20th. In November last, the Minister of State at the Department of Natural Resources, Conor Lenihan, announced a suite of proposals for the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector.
The Billsets out the statutory basis for the establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), a national body to replace the existing central and seven regional fisheries boards, as well as setting out the legal framework by which it will be bound.
In announcing the publication, the Minister said in recognition of the variety of activities, location and number of staff across the north-western and western fisheries regions, the Government has agreed, for an initial period, to the retention of offices in Ballina and Galway.
“It is expected the new structures will be in place by spring . The restructuring is necessary to ensure our inland fisheries sector reaches its full potential and brings about a better use of existing resources and delivers improved value for money,” the Minister said. Dr Ciaran Byrne has been appointed chief-executive designate of the IFI.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers (Fissta), John Carroll has welcomed the passing of the Bill. "On behalf of our members, I congratulate the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan, and opposition spokespeople on the completion of this very onerous task," he said.
A combination of change in air pressure and a slight rise in water temperature have encouraged pike to take more freely. The lakes in Manulla and Castlebar in Co Mayo produced some excellent catches, with anglers reporting several pike per day to the dead bait.
Markus Müller of the NWRFB found success on the lakes with a fine pike of approximately 10kg (22lb) on the fly. The fish was tempted with a yellow/orange streamer on an intermediate sinking line. After careful handling, the pike was safely released.
Clare County Council has advertised for consulting engineering services for the design and building contract for a new harbour development in Doolin, according to the Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen. Planning and foreshore licence applications will progress separately.
The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government is assigned to administer the project with funding of €6 million from the Government. The new development will comprise a new pier up to 60m in length, an access road and dredging in Doolin Harbour.
The Loughs Agency Angling Fair is scheduled for this weekend on the banks of the River Strule in Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone.
Renowned salmon, trout and pike fly-tyers Frank Moors (UK), Marvin Nolte (US), Ryan Houston (NI), Johan Put (Holland) and David Wolsoncroft-Dodds (UK) will be present and APGAI/FFF instructor Paddy McDonnell will demonstrate single and double-handed salmon casting techniques.
The two-day event will include cooking classes and events for children. Admission is free. See anglingfair.blogspot.com
The Irish Ladies Fly-Fishing Association (ILFA) held its first trial for the 2010 season on Lough Lene near Mullingar last Saturday week. Three further trials will be held throughout the year to select the team to represent Ireland at the international championships at Bewel Water Kent in England in 2011.
Susan Brown was drawn with Julie Gerry and within one hour the pair had seven fish in the boat, most of which fell to a damsel nymph on an intermediate line. Results: 1, Julie Gerry, seven fish; 2, Susan Brown, six fish; 3, Jean Johnston, one fish. The next trial will be on Lough Melvin on Saturdayl.
The ILFA plans to run several events throughout the year to introduce women to angling. Contact irishladiesflyfishing.com or 087-2055094. You must be 18 or older to take part.
angling@irishtimes.com