Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Refurbished Ballina Salmon Weir opened by the Taoiseach

Press release 02 September 2011

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Refurbished Ballina Salmon Weir opened by the Taoiseach, Mr Enda Keny, TD

The Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny, TD officially opened Inland Fisheries Ireland’s refurbished salmon weir located on the River Moy in Ballina today. In his address, the Taoiseach congratulated Inland Fisheries Ireland, the former North Western Regional Fisheries Board and the project management team on the successful completion of a complex and difficult project. The total cost of the project was in excess of €1m which was 85% funded from licence and permits sales on the Moy.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny pictured at the official opening of the newly restored and automated Ballina Salmon Weir on the River Moy's famous Ridge Pool with from left, John Walkin former Chairman of North Western Regional Fisheries Board, Dr. John Conneely, Inland Fisheries Ireland Director, Michelle Mulherin TD., CEO Inland Fisheries Ireland Dr Ciaran Byrne, Chairman Brendan O'Mahony and River Moy Manager Declan Cooke.

The salmon weir, which is a protected structure and an important part of Ballina’s heritage, has been restored and its future secured. The Taoiseach referred to the sensitive  manner in which the weir was refurbished and also pointed out that most of the construction costs were funded from income generated from salmon angling licence and permit sales. In reference to the designation of Ballina in 2008 as the “Salmon Capital of Ireland” the Taoiseach said this was “richly deserved” having regard to the unrivalled numbers of salmon taken by anglers fishing the River Moy each year. The average rod catch over the last 5 years was 9,105 salmon and the 2010 rod catch was just over 12,000 salmon.

In his address, the Taoiseach also referred to two other local initiatives, the proposal to develop a “Salmon Life Centre” in Ballina and also the concept of a “salmon Quarter” centered along the River Moy. The refurbished weir would be a central feature of both.

CEO Inland Fisheries Ireland Dr Ciaran Byrne,  Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Chairman Brendan O'Mahony.

The Taoiseach also highlighted the significant potential of the River Moy to generate increased revenue having regard to its enormous exploitable salmon surplus of 25,000 fish stating that ‘the continued support of inland fisheries by Government, along with the supports provided by IFI to the sector will ensure a sustainable angling resource, improving rural and local economies’.

In line with Government policy, the Taoiseach referred to the management of the wild salmon resource on a river by river basis as opposed to a district or national basis. The incorporation of fish counters into the refurbished weir will be of significant aid to scientists and fishery managers in ensuring the sustainable management of the Moy salmon fishery into the future.

The inclusion of enhanced surveillance systems in the refurbished weir was welcomed by the Taoiseach as it will free up fisheries protection personnel  for other essential duties and was in line IFI’s and Government policy of working smarter wherever possible.

Ends

Media Enquiries

Suzanne Campion
Head of Business Development
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Anglesea Street,
Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 052 6180055 Fax: 052 6123971
Email: suzanne.campion@fisheriesireland.ie Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie

Notes to Editor

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister on, the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.