Inland Fisheries Ireland welcomes conviction for illegal salmon netting in Limerick

Two Limerick men have been found guilty of being in breach of fisheries legislation for using a net to illegally capture salmon.

Mr John Quinlivan of Moyross, Limerick and Mr. Kieran Molloy of Ballynanty, Limerick were prosecuted for illegal salmon netting on the River Shannon at Monabraher, Limerick on June 26th, 2021.

Both were convicted at Limerick District Court on April 27th, 2023 and received fines of €400 and costs of €553 each.

Separately Mr Quinlivan was also convicted of fishing in the tailrace of Ardnacrusha Generating Station on June 10th, 2021, in contravention of the rules of the ESB Lower Shannon Salmon Angling Permit. He was fined €300 and ordered to pay costs of €958 for this offence.

Fishing with a net in this area is illegal, and it is also illegal to catch and keep salmon by any method on the River Shannon as salmon numbers are significantly below levels required to sustain a healthy natural population.  

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) reminds members of the public that Atlantic salmon populations are under significant pressure from a range of factors, and any illegal fishing puts further pressure on a very important and iconic wild fish.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicions of illegal fishing activity, pollution or fish kills to IFI’s confidential number, 0818 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.