Minister rules out buy-out of nets

of the remaining fishing nets on the Foyle system.

Michelle O’Neill was asked if she would consider such a move.

But she replied: The Department with the other Sponsor Department of the Loughs Agency, the Department

of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources, provided funding to the Loughs Agency in 2007 for

the provision of a hardship package to commercial salmon fishermen.

“This was made available to all licence holders who were prepared to permanently cease fishing for

salmon in the Foyle Area. Of the 162 licences available in 2007 134 of the licensees opted for the

package leaving 18 drift net licences to operate in Lough Foyle and 10 draft nets to operate in the tidal

River Foyle.

“The Regulations introduced by the Agency in association with this rationalisation of the exploitation

of salmon require defined escapement targets to be achieved if the commercial fishery is to operate.

These have not been achieved in recent years. The commercial fishery for salmon has therefore been

suspended and will only reopen if the escapement targets are achieved in 4 of the previous 5 years.

In light of this, and prevailing budget pressures, I do not believe it is appropriate to consider such an

action at this time.”