Prosecuted for using illegal net to catch fish
TWO Kilnamanagh residents were prosecuted last month for using an illegal net to catch fish at the Grand Canal near Monasterevin in County Laois.
Mr Valiulis Dalius and Mr Bloslanas Dzapbarovas, both of Kilnamanagh, Dublin 24 had fines and costs against them totalling €8k for the offences when their case was finalised on February 16 last.
They were prosecuted in Portlaoise District Court for using a net to capture fish in freshwater river/lakes, and for keeping up a continued net stretched across any river.
The incident took place on May 27, 2023, and after action was brought against them by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), both men were fined €3,000 each, and had to pay €1,000 in legal costs each. The offences were in contravention of Section 95(1) of the Fisheries
(Consolidation) Act 1959, and Section 91(1)(d) of the same Act, as amended by Section 77 of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010.
Commenting after the court verdict, Lynda Connor, the south-eastern river basin district director at IFI said:
“The protection of our freshwater fish species is extremely important in an era when there are numerous pressures impacting Ireland’s environment.
“I commend our local IFI protection officers for their unwavering commitment in protecting our fisheries resource.”
Inland Fisheries Ireland continues to encourage the public to report illegal fishing incidents, or those relating to water pollution, habitat destruction, or fish kills, to its 24/7 confidential phone number, 0818 34 74 24.
