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
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Hide Adof 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
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Hide Adpackage 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
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Hide Adsuspended 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.”