Judge Convicts Two Men for Illegal Fishing

8 May 2014

Judge Convicts Two Men for Illegal Fishing

At a sitting of Galway District Court on the 6th of May, Judge Mary Fahy convicted two men of illegal fishing on the Clare River in 2013. James Fahy, Ballindooley, Co. Galway, was convicted of three offences on two dates in June and August 2013, while Michael McGath, Polkeen, Castlegar, Co. Galway was convicted of one offence in August 2013.

Judge Fahy heard evidence from Fisheries Inspector Pat Gorman that on June 18 last, fishery officers observed a man using a net on the Clare River. When approached, the man attempted to reverse his vehicle away down a side road, but fishery officers intervened. During this, Fishery Officer Paul Reynolds was assaulted. Mr. Fahy was apprehended, and a search of the vehicle revealed a net, 6 large salmon and 2 large trout. Mr. Fahy pleaded guilty to illegal possession of the fish, and to assault and obstruction. He pleaded guilty to a further charge of illegal possession of a net at the same location on August 11th, when he was again observed by fishery officers fishing and then concealing a net. Judge Fahy convicted Mr. Fahy and fined him €1,750 with €600 costs, and ordered him to pay €500 compensation to Mr. Reynolds. Judge Fahy commented in court that illegal fishing hits already depleted fish stocks, and affects tourism. She considered a driving disqualification in light of the use of the vehicle in the course of the offence, but as this was a first offence a driving ban was not imposed.

At the same court sitting, Michael McGath was convicted of illegal possession of a net on August 11th, and fined €100 with €600 costs.

…ENDS…

Media Enquiries

Suzanne Campion, 
Head of Business Development, 
Inland Fisheries Ireland, 
Anglesea Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. 
Tel: 052 6180055 Fax: 052 6123971
Email: suzanne.campion@fisheriesireland.ie Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI promotes, supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on, the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. It also develops and advises the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling. www.fisheriesireland.ie