Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has secured a fine and costs of €1,750 against a man for illegal fishing on a premier salmon fishing river, with a suspended sentence also imposed.
Patrick Moran of Knappagh Beg, Westport, Co Mayo was fined €1,000 for failing to produce a fishing licence on demand, and given a three-month suspended prison sentence for obstructing IFI officers.
The incident happened downstream of Erriff Bridge on the Erriff fishery in Co Mayo on 12 July 2023.
The case concluded at Castlebar District Court on 16 May this year, following a hearing in February where a probation report was ordered.
The court heard that Moran was observed fishing on the Erriff fishery by IFI staff.
Fisheries officers engaged with Moran, who became aggressive and failed to comply with instructions to produce a licence, permit and rod for inspection.
He was convicted and fined €1,000 — and must also pay €750 towards IFI’s overall costs in the case.
In relation to a charge of obstructing officers, a three-month prison sentence was imposed but suspended for 12 months on the condition he complies with the recommendations of a probation report.
Commenting on the verdict, Rachel Cooper, IFI’s Western director (Galway) said: “Protecting Ireland’s wild salmon is a core objective for the agency.
“There are strict conservation measures in place at the Erriff fishery to help ensure the survival of these iconic fish.
“I welcome the determination in this case.”
The Erriff fishery is managed by IFI, while the River Erriff also functions as the National Salmonid Index Catchment — a world-class applied scientific research facility located at Aasleagh Falls, Co Mayo and operated by IFI.
