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.
