Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, accompanied by OFMDFM Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA, met with Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) Minister, Eamon Ryan TD, and DCENR Minister of State Seán Power.
The Ministers welcomed the opportunity to come together to discuss issues relating to the operation of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC), one of the six North/South Implementation Bodies.
Speaking after the meeting Minister Gildernew said: “I am delighted to host this meeting in Belfast today. We have seen the progress being made towards sustainable development within the Foyle and Carlingford Areas both with the proposals for the regulation of the oyster fishery in Lough Foyle and the strategy for the development of angling and marine tourism.
“The Loughs Agency is continuing its good work in relation to the conservation and protection of inland fisheries and, with the first Commencement Order in operation since 1 June, will be able to progress further towards the introduction of an aquaculture licensing regime for the areas. I value these meetings as an opportunity to discuss current issues and also to assist the Agency in carrying out its functions.”
At the meeting, Ministers were given a presentation by the Loughs Agency on its proposals for the sustainable development of angling and marine tourism within the Foyle and Carlingford Areas, and approved Regulations to prohibit the sale of salmon and sea trout caught by rod and line and for the regulation of the oyster fishery in Lough Foyle.
Notes to Editors:
- The North South Ministerial Council Meeting (NSMC) in Aquaculture and Marine Sectoral format was held in the Europa Hotel in Belfast.
- The Loughs Agency was established as an Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission in 1999, and is responsible for inland fisheries conservation, protection, management and development; promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes; development and licensing of aquaculture; and the development of marine tourism. These functions relate to the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.
- The Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries (2007 Order) (Commencement No. 1) Order (Northern Ireland) 2008 brought into operation (on 1 June 2008) certain provisions of the Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries (Northern Ireland) Order 2007. Provisions include Articles which provide for miscellaneous amendments and for the purposes of enabling regulations to be made.
- For more information visit the NSMC website
- All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440, and your call will be returned.
