Minister of State Seán Power today announced that the Government has approved proposals to restructure the inland fisheries sector. The decision will lead to savings of approximately €300,000 annually and follows the Budget Day announcement relating to the rationalisation of State agencies.The primary changes to be made are:
The creation of a single strengthened national inland fisheries authority to be known as Inland Fisheries Ireland. Given the nature of inland fisheries, the new authority will be organised with a strong regional presence, aligned on the boundaries of the River Basin Districts. The question of the retention of offices in both Galway and Ballina is to be considered further as the legislation providing for the new struct ures is progressed.
The establishment of appropriate advisory fora based around a National Inland Fisheries Forum, the primary role of which will be to provide stakeholder input into policy formulation and sectoral development both nationally and locally.
The dissolution of the existing Trout Coarse Fisheries Co-operative Societies.
Speaking today, Minister Power said: 'The approval of the restructuring along with the decision to give priority to the drafting of the necessary legislation is very welcome. I am confident that the Restructuring Implementation Group and the soon-to-be appointed CEO designate of Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue working to ensure a smooth changeover to the new Authority. The restructuring will bring about better use of existing resources and deliver improved value for money.'
