New State fisheries agency comes into being
A new State agency comes into being today with the amalgamation of seven regional fisheries boards and the Central Fisheries Board.
The new streamlined organisation will be known as Inland Fisheries Ireland.
The restructuring will result in significant new efficiencies in the management and performance of the Irish fisheries sector and will deliver a minimum of €750,000 in savings for the Irish taxpayer, it has been claimed.
“The establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland marks the beginning of a new era in fisheries management in Ireland” said Minister of State with responsibility for Natural Resources, Conor Lenihan.
"IFI will develop and advise on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling and its remit also extends to the implementation and delivery of those policy and strategies as agreed.
"I am delighted to be associated with the commencement of IFI and wish all concerned every success."
Inland Fisheries Ireland is responsible for the protection, management and conservation of the inland fisheries resource across the country. Ireland has over 70,000 kilometres of rivers and streams and 144,000 hectares of lake all of which fall under the jurisdiction of IFI. The agency is also responsible for sea angling in Ireland.
The agency will be led by the CEO, Dr Ciaran Byrne, and a senior management team made up of six Heads of Function and seven River Basin District Directors.
