IFI gains convictions against 3 men for illegal salmon netting on River Barrow
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has secured convictions against three men for illegal salmon netting offences with fines and costs/expenses of almost €2k levied.
Mr Dean Wickham, Raheenakennedy, Adamstown, Co. Wexford; Mr Joe Malone, Ballinavegga, Co. Wexford; and Mr Patrick Mears, Upper William Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford were accused of attempting to unlawfully capture salmon and using a boat as an aid to the commission of an offence.
The incident happened at Bauck, Drummin, on the River Barrow, Co. Carlow.
Seized nets and a seized boat at Bauck, Drummin, on the River Barrow.
Commenting, Lynda Connor south-eastern regional director at IFI, said: “Convictions like this highlight the ongoing pressure on our vulnerable salmon stocks.
“The actions of these men threaten the survival of a protected species.
“IFI fisheries officers are committed to protecting migrating salmon on their journey back to their spawning grounds.”
The court was told that the boat used by the defendants was to be forfeited to IFI.
Each man was instructed to pay €250 in fines and €400 in legal costs/expenses, amounting to €1,950 in total.
The case was heard at Kilkenny District Court on November 26th 2024.
The incident took place on September 8th 2024.
IFI urge people to report illegal fishing activity, habitat destruction, water pollution, fish kills or issues of concern in their local rivers/lakes to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
