‘Banana republic’ turns against eel fishermen

AS A commercial fisherman facing the dole as a result of the proposed government ban on eel fishing, I am fed up with this banana republic.

The scientific basis for this decision is highly questionable. No comprehensive survey of eels has been undertaken in Ireland in recent years and the proposal for a complete ban does not originate from the body of science available. The purpose of the total ban is not apparent from a conservation point of view.

However there are reasons other then spurious scientific ones for the total ban on eel fishing in Ireland.

The ESB wants to see eel fishing banned. It has a statutory responsibility for eels on the Shannon which dates back to the time when the Árdnacrusha power station was built.

A ban would make it more attractive to buyers to have no eel fishermen around when the ESB is privatised. The ESB is powerful lobby and it is no coincidence we are being stonewalled. We are only 250 in number, so the Government thinks it can dismiss us, but we will take our case to the High Court.

Christopher Hughes

Martin Savage Terrace

Sligo