Fisheries board to work with stakeholders to restore Lough Carra

INLAND Fisheries Ireland has given a commitment to work with stakeholders to turn the deteriorating condition of Mayo's Lough Carra around.

A bleak picture of the lake was painted by a councillor who lives on its shores when IFI's CEO and chairman gave a presentation at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council.

Councillor Al McDonnell said his saddest observation has been the lake's continued decline, commenting: “It is in serious trouble now.”

When IFI spoke about maintaining Mayo's lakes to their current status that was not enough. “The decline not only has to be stopped, it has to be reversed,” he said.

There was a time when the mayfly - in their thousands - was the most exciting thing on Carra. Today you might see three in a week.

He was on the lake a few times this year and was alone - it was 'abandoned'.

When the fly life is gone there are no fish, he said.

Councillor McDonnell was given an assurance that IFI will not be found wanting in the future.

IFI's new CEO, Francis O'Donnell, said they should have been given assistance before now and it was remiss not to do that.

IFI would not be found wanting now to help the community group deal with what is a complex issue. They would work at the highest level with their research department and scientists to do what they can to turn it around.

Working in collaboration with the local authority and other stakeholders going forward was a key message in a presentation delivered by the CEO.

IFI currently has a five-year plan on a ministerial desk, which has a strong emphasis on habitats, conservation and preservation.