The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) sets out its strategic programme every three years and is currently preparing its Statement of Strategy for 2024–2026.

This will focus on what the SFPA wants to achieve during this period to ensure effective regulation of the shared marine resources surrounding Ireland.

As part of the process of developing the strategy (the current version can be viewed HERE), the SFPA says it welcomes the contribution of members of the public and stakeholders, especially those who fall within the its regulatory remit.

Views are sought specifically in relation to the following questions:

• What matters should be considered in developing the SFPA mission, vision, and value statements?
• What metrics should the SFPA use to measure performance and monitor achievement of strategic goals?

The SFPA says it will be grateful to receive your response together with any more general views you may have on its strategic direction and how it can best deliver on its remit.

Responses should be submitted by email to [email protected] by Thursday 21 December.

The public consultation has now commenced for the Loughs Agency’s draft Climate Action Plan, which outlines how the organisation aims to reduce its carbon emissions in the coming years.

Responses are welcome for the next 12 weeks, with the consultation period closing on 31 January 2024.

The draft Climate Action Plan aims to reflect the leadership role the organisation wishes to take while supporting a modal shift away from high-carbon energy and implementing climate-resilient solutions for both the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the Loughs Agency is holding two information sessions this week with staff present at both sessions to answer questions on the draft plan while also assisting with the feedback process.

Alternatively, those interested in having their say on these strategy documents can do so in their own time by reading the draft plan and completing the online survey.

Boat owners and watersport enthusiasts have expressed concern over proposed new bye-laws for Ireland’s inland waterways, according to RTÉ News.

Afloat.ie previously reported on the public consultation over the proposed bye-law changes for the canals and Shannon Navigation, which closes today (Friday 27 October).

Waterways Ireland says over 600 submissions have been received in this first phase of consultation.

“We’ve had very good feedback from the public and from stakeholders,” said Paddy Harkin, inspector of navigation at Waterways Ireland. "We want to have bye-laws that will be fit for purpose for the next 20 to 30 years.”

But there are fears in some corners over such proposals as changes to mooring times and rules, as well as a €200 registration fee for businesses operating on the Shannon.

RTÉ News has more on the story HERE.

Waterways Ireland has extended the public consultation on proposed bye-law changes for the canals and Shannon Navigation, with a second phase of public consultation also added to facilitate further engagement with the public and stakeholders.

The initial consultation period (phase 1) has been extended to Friday 27 October, having originally been due to close this past Monday 2 October.

Following the initial consultation period, Waterways Ireland will review all submissions during November and December 2023. It says it will then “endeavour to proactively and equitably deal with legitimate matters of concern raised during the initial public consultation process, publish its consultation document and re-issue amended draft bye-laws”.

Phase 2 of the public consultation will then run from 15 January to 26 February next year. This phase of the process will offer all stakeholders an opportunity to consider the modifications to the proposed revised bye0laws.

Thereafter, Waterways Ireland says it will consider all new feedback received “to best address the views of all stakeholders and ultimately, update bye-laws which are undisputedly out of date and unfit for purpose”.

It adds that there will be no changes to the existing bye-laws, permits or charges/fees until revised bye-laws are approved.

Waterways Ireland encourages everyone to read the draft bye-laws and to participate in the public consultation, and is keen to hear from anglers, boaters, cyclists, paddle-sport enthusiasts, runners, walkers, members of communities along the inland waterways and the public at large.

The draft bye-laws can be found on waterwaysireland.org and in local libraries along the waterways corridors.

Submissions to the public consultation can be made through the online survey on the website, by email to [email protected] and by post to Waterways Ireland Inspectorate, Dock Rd, Athlone, Co Westmeath, N37 RW26.

The proposed changes relate to the Shannon Navigation Bye-Laws (including the River Shannon, Shannon-Erne Waterway, River Finn and Ulster Canal) and Canal Bye-Laws (including the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation).

Waterways Ireland has scheduled an additional public meeting on proposed revisions to the Shannon Navigation and Canals Bye-Laws for Thursday 21 September in Mullingar.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, members of the public and interested parties are invited to have their say on the proposed changes by making a submission to the public consultation which opened on Monday 19 June.

The consultation covers the Shannon Navigation (including the Shannon-Erne Waterway), the Royal Canal, Grand Canal, Barrow Line and Barrow Navigation. The consultation runs until Monday 2 October 2023.

Following the series of public meetings in June and July, one more will be held at the Mullingar Park Hotel on Dublin Road, Mullingar, Co Westmeath on Thursday 21 September from 6pm to 9pm, where Waterways Ireland staff will provide information on the revisions and feedback can be given.

The draft bye-laws and explanatory notes are available to download from the Waterways Ireland website, which also has a list of public libraries were members of the public can review the documents in person.

Feedback is welcome using the link on the website. Alternatively you can email your submission to [email protected] or send by post to Waterways Ireland Inspectorate, Dock Rd, Athlone, Co Westmeath, N37 RW26.

Following the public consultation, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways will review the submissions, make any necessary changes to the bye-laws and submit them to the minister for approval to proceed.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is seeking submissions in relation to a proposal to reduce the daily bag limit of four brown trout to two brown trout on the rivers Clare, Abbert, Dalgan, Grange and Sinking in the Galway Fishery District.

The current daily bag limit of four brown trout for these rivers is included in the Western Fisheries Region Conservation of Trout Bye-law no. 840, 2008.

Having reviewed the existing bye-law, IFI propose to put in place a separate new bye-law for the aforementioned rivers.

A copy of the existing and proposed new bye-law are available for public inspection at the IFI offices in Galway. The draft bye-law is also available on the IFI website.

The public consultation period will run for the next four weeks and the closing date for receipt of submissions is 5pm on Thursday 14 September.

Submissions should be marked “Public Consultation – Clare River brown trout bag limit” and be submitted by email to [email protected] or by post to:

The Director,
Inland Fisheries Ireland,
Teach Breac,
Earl’s Island,
Galway, H91 E2A2

A new public consultation on the long-term management of the Great Western Lakes is now under way.

It follows last year’s consultation on the first draft of the plan by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

The plan covers the seven lakes that comprise the Great Western Lakes: Lough Corrib, Lough Mask and Lough Carra in Co Galway, Lough Conn and Lough Cullin in Co Mayo, Lough Arrow in counties Sligo and Roscommon, and Lough Sheelin in Cavan, Meath and Westmeath.

IFI says it has developed a long-term management plan for these lakes to address many of the factors currently impacting on the ecological wellbeing of native fish stocks and their habitats.

A series of open evenings were held at six locations in Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Cavan last autumn to allow stakeholders to meet local staff to find out more about the plan. An online webinar was also hosted by senior management in IFI to allow any stakeholders to put questions or queries to help inform them to make a submission.

Also in 2022, IFI screened the plan for appropriate assessment and carried out strategic environmental assessment scoping.

Following the completion of the initial public consultation process, IFI reviewed the feedback provided by statutory consultees, the public and other stakeholders.

The plan was then revised to take account of the feedback where appropriate. Environmental assessments of the revised plan were then carried out; these comprised a full Natura Impact Statement and Strategic Environmental Assessment - Environmental Report.

In accordance with environmental regulations, IFI is now holding public consultations on the Natura Impact Statement and Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report for the Long Term Management Plan for the Great Western Lakes. The consultation will be open until 4pm on Monday 31 July.

IFI says feedback received will help inform its decision on whether or not to adopt the plan.

All relevant documents are available on the IFI website and physical copies can be viewed (and purchased for €50 per document) at its Galway, Limerick and Ballina offices during office hours. Copies can also be viewed at IFI’s Lough Sheelin office by appointment with the Shannon River Basin District Office in Limerick.

Members of the public can make submissions on the plan, the Natura Impact Statement and/or the Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report by email to [email protected] or by post to:

WLMP Consultation
Inland Fisheries Ireland
3044 Lake Drive
Citywest Business Campus
Dublin D24 CK66

The submission should clearly state whether it refers to the plan, the Natura Impact Statement and/or the Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report. Submissions received after the closing date of 4pm on Monday 31 July will not be considered.

Waterways Ireland is inviting members of the public and interested parties to have their say on proposed revisions to the Shannon Navigation and Canals Bye-Laws by making a submission to a public consultation, which opened on Monday (19 June).

The consultation covers the Shannon Navigation (including the Shannon-Erne Waterway), the Royal Canal, Grand Canal, Barrow Line and Barrow Navigation. The consultation runs until Monday 2 October 2023.

Public meetings are planned where Waterways Ireland staff will provide information on the revisions and feedback can be given:

• North Shannon: The Bush Hotel, Main Street, Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, Monday 26 June 6-9pm
• South Shannon: Killaloe Spa Hotel, Kincora Harbour, Killaloe, Co Clare, Tuesday 27 June 6-9pm
• Dublin: Maldron Hotel, 98-107 Pearse Street, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, Wednesday 28 June 6-9pm
• Barrow: Seven Oaks Hotel, Athy Road, Carlow, Co Carlow, Monday 3 July 6-9pm
• Royal Canal: Mullingar Park Hotel, Dublin Road, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Tuesday 4 July 6-9pm
• Grand Canal: Tullamore Court Hotel, O’Moore Street, Tullamore, Co Offaly, Wednesday 5 July 6-9pm
• Mid Shannon: IWAI HQ, Dunrovin, Coosan, Athlone, Co Westmeath, Monday 10 July 6-9pm

The draft bye-laws and explanatory notes are available to download from the Waterways Ireland website, which also has a list of public libraries were members of the public can review the documents in person.

Feedback is welcome using the link on the website. Alternatively you can email your submission to [email protected] or send by post to Waterways Ireland Inspectorate, Dock Rd, Athlone, Co Westmeath, N37 RW26.

Following the public consultation, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways will review the submissions, make any necessary changes to the bye-laws and submit them to the minister for approval to proceed.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has launched a public consultation on its proposed Moy Gravels Replenishment Project on the Owenaher River in Sessuegilroy, Co Sligo.

In order to improve the spawning habitat for salmonids in this area, it is proposed to place spawning gravels in two locations in the river extending a total distance of 320m.

IFI says that in the absence of mitigation the project is likely to have “a significant effect” on the River Moy Special Area of Conversation, a Natura 2000 site, and under EU rules is required to carry out a public consultation before deciding on whether the project can be permitted or not.

This public consultation opened on Tuesday 28 March and closes on Monday 8 May at 4pm.

Submissions may be made within this timeframe on the potential impact that the project may have on European sites by email to [email protected] or by post to: The River Moy Catchment Manager, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Ardnaree House, Ballina, Co Mayo. Submissions should clearly state that they are in response to this public consultation.

For further details, including a link to the relevant Natural impact statement, see the IFI website HERE.

A public consultation on the Loughs Agency’s angling and fisheries improvement strategy and action plans for Foyle and Carlingford has been launched.

The consultation, which will run for a period of eight weeks, will provide members of the public with the opportunity to share their thoughts on the agency’s plans for improving angling and fisheries products in these catchment areas.

Three informative, data-led documents have been drafted by the Loughs Agency, which aim to provide a baseline for how best to implement changes that will have a real and lasting impact on angling and fisheries in the coming years.

These documents are the Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy for Foyle and Carlingford 2022-2030; Angling Action Plan for Foyle and Carlingford 2022-2030; and Fisheries Improvement Action Plan for Foyle and Carlingford 2022-2030.

A stakeholder consultation process was held in late 2022, which provided angling clubs and members of the angling community with an early chance to have their say. This feedback has since been incorporated into the latest drafts.

Loughs Agency will be holding a series of information sessions throughout the catchment areas in April. Agency staff will be present at these to answer questions on the documents, while also assisting with the feedback process. The sessions will take place as follows:

• Loughs Agency HQ, Prehen, Monday 17 April from 6pm-9pm
• Mellon Country Inn, Omagh, Tuesday 18 April from 6pm-9pm
• Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey, Monday 24 April from 6pm-9pm
• Canal Court Hotel, Newry, Tuesday 25 April from 6pm-9pm

Alternatively, those interested in having their say on these strategy documents can do so in their own time by completing the survey which can be found on Loughs Agency’s website.

Sharon McMahon, Loughs Agency chief executive said: “This public consultation will allow us to ensure all views are taken into consideration as we aim to deliver an outcome-orientated approach to fisheries and angling improvement.

“The feedback obtained from this process will help in the development of a clear strategic pathway, ensuring that these resources are improved for all.

“I would like to thank the agency staff who have contributed to developing these documents with a focus on knowledge, stewardship and sustainability. This work will help in the delivery of meaningful changes to fisheries and angling in Foyle and Carlingford.”

The draft documents as well as a link to the survey can also be found on the Consultations section of the Loughs Agency website.