Southern Fisheries Board dismisses two senior inspectors

Two senior fishery inspectors have been dismissed by the Southern Regional Fisheries Board, following a three-year suspension from duty.

The board has declined to comment on the dismissal, which was the outcome of internal disciplinary proceedings taken against Mr Edward Haley, of Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny, and Mr Edward Casey, of Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary.

It is understood that the action was conveyed in a letter to both men this week from the Government's special commissioner to the board, Mr Thomas Rice. The men, who have been on full pay since their suspension in February 1996, have had their employment terminated with effect from April 8th.

The move is the latest twist in a long-running saga involving the Southern Regional Fisheries Board, and brings to three the number of dismissals since the Government appointed a commission to oversee the board's activities under special legislation in 1996. In November 1997 the board's manager, Mr James Rogers, was dismissed.

Controversy surrounding the board dates back to a Garda investigation into certain activities associated with it, which began in 1995. Statements made in Waterford Circuit Court in December 1994, relating to claims of "racketeering" by the board's field staff and victimisation of salmon fishermen, prompted the Garda inquiry.

The two senior fishery inspectors who have now been dismissed were arrested as part of this investigation, but were acquitted of criminal charges by a Dublin Circuit Court in 1997.

The Southern Regional Fisheries Board is one of seven such boards, and is responsible for a coastline and inland waterways running from Killeen Bay in Co Wexford to Ballycotton Quay in Co Cork.