IFI secures conviction against man for illegal netting with prison sentence imposed for obstructing Fisheries Officer
- Five-month prison sentence imposed
- Fines/costs of €1,750 levied
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has gained a conviction against a New Ross man for illegal netting for salmon and obstruction, resulting in a five-month prison sentence and fines and costs of €1,750.
Mr Dominic Carroll of Healeysland, New Ross, Co. Wexford, was observed setting a net by a Fisheries Officer at the River Nore near the townland of Rathsnagadan, Co. Kilkenny, northwest of New Ross.
The IFI Fisheries Officer intercepted Mr Carroll, who refused to remove a balaclava from his face and failed to provide his name and address.
Mr Carroll was found to have used an illegal net for the capture of salmon, to have used a boat in the commission of an offence, and to have obstructed an authorised officer by refusing to identify himself.
Net seized at the River Nore in Co. Kilkenny
Commenting after the court verdict, Lynda Connor IFI’s Director of the south eastern region said: "Illegal netting is a serious threat to wild Atlantic salmon, which also face increasing environmental pressures.
"Fisheries Officers are committed to protecting these vulnerable fish.
"Incidents like this highlight the ongoing challenges faced by our officers on a regular basis, and I commend them for their determination on this case."
The court sentenced Mr Carroll to five months’ imprisonment for obstructing a Fisheries Officer, contrary to Section 301(7) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959.
Boat seized at Rathsnagadan on River Nore
Mr Carroll was found in contravention of the Act on three other counts, namely using a net for the capture of salmon, contrary to Section 97(1); the use of a net for the taking of fish, contrary to Section 96(1)(a); and using a boat in the commission of an offence, contrary to Section 285A(1) of the Act.
In relation to these three offences, Mr Carroll was ordered to pay €1,000 in fines and to pay €750 in legal costs and expenses to IFI.
The court fixed recognisances in the event of an appeal.
The case was finalised at Kilkenny District Court on July 24th, 2025.
The incident took place on July 20th, 2024.
IFI urges the public to report instances of illegal fishing, water pollution, or fish kills to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.
