Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has secured convictions against a Wexford man who was given a two-month jail sentence and ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling €2,000 for illegal netting.
Michael Malone of Taghmon, Co Wexford was found to have used illegal fishing nets on the Corock River at Horetown South, Co Wexford on 5 June 2025.
The case was finalised at Wexford District Court on 23 February.
Malone was convicted for the use of two nets for the capture of fish in the freshwater portion of the Corock River; the use of two unlicensed scheduled engines (stake nets) for the taking of salmon or trout; and the possession of two nets for the purpose of taking fish.
The judge in the case stated that in view of Malone’s previous record, there was no option but to impose a custodial sentence.
Malone was sentenced to two months imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of €1,250 and €750 in costs. He was given 12 months to pay these amounts. The court fixed recognisances in the event of an appeal to the Circuit Court.
Lynda Connor, IFI’s director of the south-eastern region said: “Illegal netting is a serious threat to native fish stocks, which also face increasing environmental pressures. Our fisheries officers are committed to protecting these species.
“Convictions like this highlight the challenges faced by our staff on a regular basis. I commend them for their professionalism and determination here.”
