Man prosecuted for illegally fishing without a permit on the Mulkear River

Press Release 17th September 2012

Today at Limerick District Court an individual was prosecuted by Inland Fisheries Ireland convicted and fined €250 for illegally fishing without a permit on the Mulkear River.

Last June, Fisheries Officers were carrying out a routine licence and permit patrol on the Mulkear River in an area locally known as the “Long Field”. One individual was fishing without a permit or state licence and was issued with an on the spot fine which had to be paid within 21 days. The fine remained un-paid and following several court proceedings and a bench warrant, the case was heard today and Mr Storan was convicted under Section 178 “Unauthorised entry on a several fishery” and fined €250 and instructed to pay €400 in expenses to IFI. This successful outcome was the part of the commitment of Inland Fisheries Ireland to focus on the protection of fish, especially during a time of resource constraints.

The Mulkear River is one of only two rivers which meet its salmon Conservation Limit in the Shannon River Basin District and t angling is therefore permitted for wild salmon, subject to a licence and quota, . Currently the river holds excellent stocks of wild salmon but incidents such as these are extremely detrimental and will threaten the integrity of the stocks in the river.

Ms Amanda Mooney, Director at Inland Fisheries Ireland, Limerick stated today that “this case could have been dealt with through our on the spot fine procedures but the individual chose to go to court where the fine was much greater. Inland Fisheries Ireland is committed to the protection of our wild salmon stocks and follow through on all fisheries offences.”

IFI continue to run a hotline where anyone can report such illegal activity 1850 FISH 24 or 1890 34 74 24 day or night.

Media enquiries

Amanda Mooney,
Inland Fisheries Ireland,
15A Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Tel: 061 300238 email: amanda.mooney@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.