Madam, - The Irish Government's proposals to privatise salmon and trout fisheries in Donegal will damage relations with both resident and visiting anglers alike, if they are implemented in their present form. National and local angling organisations have expressed dissent and as a visiting rod I too have grave concerns.
While salmon fishing remains poor because of netting and other factors it is unreasonable to impose a rigid plan which restricts access to fisheries and imposes higher charges upon all rods. The proposals will not create sustainable employment and wealth in the area but will generate conflict between private companies, local clubs and visitors.
All responsible anglers are prepared to pay more to fund conservation measures and to help develop the sport. They want to see the number of returning salmon restored to the levels enjoyed in the early 1960s. However, the best way to achieve this is with the participation and co-operation of local people and not by introducing outside stakeholders whose primary objective is a return for shareholders.
The successful partnership between the State and angling clubs in Northern Ireland allows all anglers reasonable and affordable access to a host of waters on the Foyle, Erne and Bann systems and helps support the North Atlantic Salmon Fund. The rivers and lakes of the Republic are an asset to the people who live there. They are well motivated and best placed to own and manage them on behalf of us all. - Yours, etc.,
MAURICE NEILL,
Clifton Road,
Bangor,
Co Down.