Minister for Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte says he favours permitting commercial fishing for wild salmon in Castlemaine harbour, Co Kerry, following results of a pilot project in the area last year, writes Lorna Siggins
Mr Rabbitte signalled a statutory 30-day public consultation before making a final decision, and said he has asked Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the State body responsible for inland stocks, to ensure “full enforcement” of salmon conservation bylaws and regulations.
“I am satisfied, based on scientific and fishery management advice from IFI and my own department, that it is safe to reopen this fishery under closely controlled conditions.”
Mr Rabbitte said Castlemaine harbour was a special area of conservation.