Mulkear plan nears completion

The concept of a catchment management plan for the Mulkear river moved a step closer last week following a special meeting in Cappamore at which local people were asked for their views and were offered a chance to contribute to the final version.

Still in draft format, the plan sets out a detailed programme on how best to manage this important inland resource for the benefit of the whole community. The main stakeholders in the project include the Shannon Fisheries Board, Limerick & District Anglers' Association, tourist interests and local authorities.

The Mulkear catchment extends from the Silvermine Mountains to the north to Limerick Junction in the south, and from Cappagh White in the east to Annacotty in the west. Along with its tributaries, the river drains this entire area prior to joining the Shannon downstream of Castleconnell.

Apart from its immense natural beauty, the river is held in high esteem by salmon anglers, particularly in relation to the grilse run, estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 fish annually. This factor is not overlooked in the draft document as tourism angling is a key element in boosting the local economy.

Mr Eamon Cusack, chief executive of the Shannon Fisheries Board, said: "This is a most significant blueprint for the future of the Mulkear and drawn in consultation with groups holding a genuine interest in the catchment."

Last Thursday the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey, launched a new group to oversee the growth of marine based tourism development in the Ceantar na nOileβn area of the Connemara coast. The area was chosen, along with the Mullet Peninsula in Co Mayo, for a major infrastructure overhaul and will receive £100,000 funding from the Department.

Undeveloped and unspoilt, Ceantar na nOileβn (Gorumna, Lettermore and Lettermullen Islands) has the potential to become one of Ireland's premier tourism destinations, the Minister said. Angling will feature prominently as the area is renowned for shark, ray and rock fishing for pollack.

Dublin Pike Anglers had a very successful outing to Shannonbridge recently for their second winter league competition. Fishing the confluence of the rivers Suck and Shannon, the group of 43 accounted for 73 pike - including 19 doubles, of which four exceeded the 20lb specimen weight. Many of the competitors favoured lead weights wobbling deadbaits as close to the bottom as possible.

Two tourist anglers from Brussels spent 11 days fishing four East Clare lakes and recorded 83 pike. At Doon Lake they caught 18, the largest measuring 85cm. All fish were taken on plugs and returned alive.

Good pike sport was also reported from the Banagher area of the Shannon at Mellick, Bullock Island and the Brosna river near Shannon harbour.

Courtmacsherry in east Cork has again hit the headlines for its deep sea achievements. The Irish record for coalfish, recorded last year at this popular venue, was smashed last week by Cork angler Charlie Robinson with a fish weighing 29lb. And to round off a perfect day, the group accounted for a further 23 specimens! The final of the Annamoe Trout Fisheries Ltd Airflo fly fishing competition will take place this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, 10-16 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 6791881. E-mail: angling@irish-times.ie