River Runner Documentary available to see at Cork Omniplex Cinemas

RIVER RUNNER is a feature length documentary of a river system in southern Ireland that holds many secrets. This is the true story of the plight of the wild Atlantic salmon and the near catastrophic clear felling of a unique river forest. The dilemma is lucidly explained by a world class salmon angler, Alan Nolan, who is at home on the lower reaches of the river Lee. Further upstream beyond two dams, constructed in the 1950’s, another secret cloaked for a half a century is explained by environmental & ecology expert Kevin Corcoran. The Gearagh is an inland river forest delta, one of only four on our blue planet. Several hundred acres of this ancient forest, especially age old oaks and yew trees, were cut down to enable the efficient production of electricity. A unique community of Irish speaking forest dwellers, 39 homes and farmsteads, were issued compulsory purchase orders. These houses were dynamited out of existence. The question has never been answered whether this was truly necessary for the sake of progress? The plight of the magnificent wild Atlantic salmon in what was once known as the Silver Lee, due to the abundance of fish, continues to remain critical.

Inland Fisheries Ireland Launch Public Consultation on National Angling Development Plan

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has today (20.02.15) launched a public consultation in preparation for the development of a National Angling Development Plan (NADP).  It is envisaged that the NADP will provide criteria, support and proposals to ensure the sustainability of Ireland’s angling resource and the continuing sustainable development of that resource to maximise the benefits (social and economic) to Ireland on a prioritised basis.

Anglers, angling clubs, angling federations, fishery owners, community groups, angling service providers, state agencies and members of the public are being invited to make submissions which may include: strategies for the development of angling, physical development projects, novice angler initiatives, evaluation criteria of fisheries status by species/discipline type (i.e. what makes a good fishery) and angling/fishery support service requirements; submissions can be formulated on a national, regional or local basis as necessary.

 An essential part of IFIs consideration will be how a development plan can be implemented, the resource requirements and how the support of fishery owners, anglers, state bodies and other stakeholders can be garnered so that the sector prospers.   

Minister of State Joe Mc Hugh TD, who has responsibility for the Inland Fisheries sector, said “IFI have been tasked to formulate a comprehensive development plan on a National basis, the need for which clearly arises form the most complete study of the sector ever undertaken”.  “I want to encourage a consultation process which is inclusive and which embraces Angling Federations, Local Authorities and other interested bodies but which also permeates right through to local club and community level.  This is an opportunity to be heard and to contribute to strategy and policy for a sector than can further underpin development and employment in rural, costal and peripheral communities”, he added..

A recent study of the recreational angling sector in Ireland, carried out by the international consultancy company, Tourism Development International (TDI), commissioned by IFI estimated that recreational angling in Ireland contributes €755 million to the Irish economy annually. The study showed that direct spending on angling in Ireland amounted to €555 million in 2012, with indirect and induced spending worth an additional €310 million. Following adjustments for imports and displacement, the overall economic impact of recreational angling in Ireland was estimated to be €755 million. Recreational angling was also found to directly support 10,000 existing Irish jobs, many of which are located in the most peripheral and rural parts of the Irish countryside and along our coastline.

The study found that 406,000 people were involved in recreational angling in Ireland during 2012, with over 150,000 of these travelling from Northern Ireland and overseas. Over a quarter of a million Irish adults (252,000) held a fishing rod in 2012 with sea angling along with salmon and brown trout angling seen as the most popular categories where domestic anglers are concerned. The quality of the Irish angling product, the friendliness and hospitality of the Irish people and our outstanding scenery were cited amongst the principal attractions of Ireland as an international destination for recreational angling. Tourism angling spend is estimated at approximately €280 million on an annual basis.


Further information on the consultation is available at www.fisheriesireland.ie. A template for making submissions is also available on the website or alternatively one may be requested from local IFI offices.

Submissions must be made in writing, marked ‘NADP – public consultation’ and addressed to Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest, Dublin 24 or by email to nadp.publicconsult@fisheriesireland.ie.
The deadline for receipt of submissions is 3pm on Tuesday 31st March 2015.


Further Information:
Suzanne Campion
Head of Business Development
Inland Fisheries Ireland
3044 Lake Drive,
Citywest,
Dublin.
 
Tel: 01 8842600
Email: suzanne.campion@fisheriesireland.ie Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie
Note for Editors:
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.

Damning film lifts lid on River Lee 'tragedy'

There can be fewer more inspiring sights to a true Corkonian than the River Lee as it majestically winds its way through the county. Immortalised in countless songs, poems and pieces of prose, the River Lee is a potent symbol Cork and home to countless species of fish and marine wildlife.

However, a thought-provoking new documentary, narrated by two Corkmen Alan Nolan and Kevin Corcoran, is set to highlight some of the murkier events that have had a profoundly disturbing effect on the river over recent decades.

At the core of 'River Runner' lies the sad plight of the River Lee's Wild Atlantic Salmon, which is used to convey what Alan Nolan described as the "disturbing truth" of what has happened to the river over the past six decades. In doing so the film further serves to highlight several "environmental tragedies" that both narrators claim have lain hidden for many years.

"Not only does the film cover the plight of the salmon it also examines the fate of the salmon-dependent Freshwater Pearl Mussel, a species that is now perilously close to extinction," said Alan Nolan, a world renowned salmon angler.

He said the construction of two dams in the 1950s and the subsequent creation of two hydro-electric dams to feed the power needs of the city and its environs came at a "shocking price" to the environment.

"These massive dams severely halted the migration of the Atlantic salmon and in doing so complexly wiped out the River Lee's vibrant angling/tourism industry.
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He claimed the impounded waters converted the wildlife-rich Lee into a "watery desert" devoid of natural life as trout, otter, eel and freshwater mussel stock completely collapsed.

"Just because humans cannot see what is below the surface of the water, it does not mean we have the right to destroy one of nature's most magnificent creatures," said Nolan.

The film also highlights what Kevin Corcoran, a respected environmental biologist, said was the "shocking destruction" of 'The Gearagh', one of Europe's rarest forest climates.

"Before the damming of the river this was the last pure stand of ancient riverine forest that had survived intact since the last ice age. This was just one of four such systems on the whole planet," said Corcoran.

"In addition, with the forest's demise, the last true community of ancient forest dwelling people also vanished. The story of their scattering and forced relocation is a truly harrowing and heart-breaking saga," he added.

For the first time ever on film, Corcoran brings to light the uniqueness of what had once been an important primeval forest ecosystem and the details of, what is termed,w its "horrific and needless" destruction.

"Similar in its rarity to the Cloud Forests of the high Andes in South America, at the time of its destruction The Gearagh contained ancient oak trees that dated back in time to the Middle Ages, with many over 600 years old. Its ancient yew trees however were much, much older, as many of these had been growing since before the birth of Christ," he said.

"Sadly, these were all hacked down over a three-year period to make way for the flood waters of the hydro-electric reservoirs, thus effectively destroying the forest ecosystem," said Corcoran.

He was keen to point out that what happened to the River Lee was not just a local issue, but a global one.

"Over the last 40-years global animal species populations have collapsed by a staggering 52%. If we begin to respect nature we can reverse that trend. In Cork we should begin by respecting out own lovely Lee," said Corcoran.

"In River Runner the true story of what was done to the river is finally highlighted for all to see," he added.

To find out more about 'River Run' visits www.mp2films.com.

Dredging on the Bandon River set to go ahead in the first half of 2015

Dredging on The Bandon River

The OPW are set to dredge the Bandon River during the first half of 2015. A €10 million Flood Relief Scheme is being advanced by the OPW in partnership with Cork County Council for Bandon Town.

This scheme will help alleviate serious flooding of Bandon Town. It has taken a number of years for the scheme to go through feasibility, planning & procurement processes and construction prior to becoming operational.

There are 5 distinct stages involved in OPW Flood Relief Schemes;
Stage 1: Feasibility & Preferred Option Selection.
Stage 2: Environmental Assessment & Planning.
Stage 3: Detailed design, tender process & award of construction contract.
Stage 4 & 5: Construction & Handover.

The following Consultancy Firms were appointed in November 2011 by the OPW to advance the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme; Byrne Looby Partners Water Services Ltd. in association with JBA Consulting – Engineering Consultants. Ryan Hanley in partnership with McCarthy Keville O'Sullivan Ltd. - Environmental Consultants.

Public Exhibition Documents are available for all to view on the following website http://www.bandonfloodwarning.ie/bandonfloodrelief.htm

Ireland Against Salmon Farms: Fund Raising for Ireland Against Salmon Farms

Ireland Against Salmon Farms: Fund Raising for Ireland Against Salmon Farms: DONATE HERE We are running a fund raising campaign at the moment to fund a brochure and information leaflet campaign. Members of the p...

New Era for Fisheries Management at Launch of Bass, Pike and Trout Policies

National policies for the management of trout, pike and bass, were today (22.08.14) launched by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the state agency responsible for the protection, conservation, management and promotion of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

Speaking at the launch, IFI chairman, Mr Brendan O’Mahony, commented, “These policies are the first national species policies to be issued from IFI and in this regard represent a new era for fisheries management in Ireland. The policies will provide for the better conservation and management of bass, pike and trout in Ireland and will help ensure sustainability of stocks into the future. In addition, they will allow for improved angling, economic impacts and help to sustain and improve the many jobs that are supported by recreational angling in Ireland.”

The three policy documents have been formulated, through a rigorous consultation process, by groups comprising: fisheries scientists; angling federations; and industry representatives.

The recommendations will now be brought forward and put into practice by IFI. Where required IFI will seek legislative changes to underpin and support the policies, which will be reviewed after a period of three years.

The main recommendations put forward include:

• For Bass: a reduction in the daily angling bag limit from two to one fish in any 24 hour period; an increase in the minimum landing size; and a review of the closed season.
• For Pike: in designated, managed wild brown trout fisheries, the current bye-law is recommended to be amended to prohibit the killing of any pike greater than or equal to 85 cm in length; all larger rod-caught pike should be returned to the water alive; in all other waters of the State an angler will be permitted to take and kill one pike of less than or equal to 50 cm in length (as per the existing bye-law); additionally, the policy calls for further research into pike movement and transfer programmes.
• For Trout: a national minimum size limit; national bag limits; designation of a number of lakes and rivers sections as wild brown trout fisheries; in addition to other measures.

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland added, “I would like to thank all who assisted with the formulation of these policies, and I would also like to acknowledge the passion and understanding that all of the groups have for their species of interest: the environment; habitat; and pressures that they face. The challenge now is to implement these policies through the work of IFI, angling practices, and where necessary, with legislative support. I look forward to progressing these policies with the same collaborative approach as used in their formulation.”

For more information and to access the policy documents, visit

• Inland Fisheries Ireland Brown Trout Policy
• Inland Fisheries Ireland Pike Policy
• Inland Fisheries Ireland Bass Policy
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tolka fish kill may have been washing-up spill

Tolka fish kill may have been washing-up spill