Issuu

2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report & Accounts

2013

For the period ended December 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Loughs Agency

Annual Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 December 2013

Laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas in accordance with the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 Schedule 1, Annex 2, Part 7, Paragraphs 1.3 and 2.6

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Contents 1.

Chief Executive’s Overview

Mission Statement

Objectives

Board Members

North / South Ministerial Council

Foyle and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum

Staffing

Complaints Handling

Development

10.

Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

11.

Corporate

12.

Conservation and Protection

Appendix 1 - Outturn Against Targets Priorities, Objectives & Targets for 2013 Conservation and Protection Aquaculture and Shellfisheries Development Corporate

15 15 15 20 23 26

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

iii

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

1. Chief Executive’s Overview I am pleased to present the 2013 Annual Report which details the work the Agency has undertaken during the year. 2013 was an exciting year for the Agency with our participation in the City of Culture. Loughs Agency partnered with the Culture Company 2013 and funded several events which provided a platform to promote the work of the Agency and Lough Foyle. One of the highlights was the Turner Prize 2013, the first time the award ceremony has ever been held outside England. The Agency partnered with Tate Britain to supply Lough Foyle flat oysters and received wide national and international media coverage. Moving forward into 2014, the legacy year, the Agency has plans to continue showcasing the local seafood resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Several events have been planned and strong working partnerships continued. Our EU funded development programmes for Marine Tourism and Recreational Fisheries continue to be rolled out and are on target for completion in 2015. Our small grants scheme the Sustainable Development Fund came to a close at the end of 2013 and it has been viewed as a great success. We hope to obtain the necessary approvals in 2014 to continue with it into the future. The Agency’s interpretive centre “Riverwatch” continues to attract many visitors, with over 150,000 welcomed since it opened in 2002. We believe they leave with a greater knowledge and awareness of the resources of the Rivers and Loughs of the catchments to support their protection for the future. Negotiations continue with the Crown Estates Commission and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to finalise the Management Agreement for the Loughs which will enable the Agency to introduce the Licensing of Aquaculture in Lough Foyle. This agreement is still outstanding but it is hoped that it will be progressed in 2014. I would like to thank the Board for their advice and direction provided to the Agency in the delivery of our responsibilities during 2013 and for the commitment they have given to the Agency.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

I would also like to thank all my colleagues who again have demonstrated their expertise, commitment and professionalism in delivering the responsibilities of the Agency and also thank our Sponsor Departments for their support and advice.

John Pollock Acting Chief Executive

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

2. Mission Statement To provide sustainable, social, economic and environmental benefits to the communities of the catchments through the effective conservation, protection, management, research, promotion and development of the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

3. Objectives The principal objectives of the Agency in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas are: •

To conserve and protect the salmon and inland fisheries;

•

To manage and develop the salmon and inland fisheries;

•

To promote the development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes;

•

To license and develop aquaculture;

•

To develop marine tourism;

•

To pursue increased efficiency and continuous improvement in the delivery of services to all customers;

•

To ensure the efficient, effective, and economic utilisation of resources available to the Agency.

See Appendix 1 for outturn against objectives and targets.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

4. Board Members The FCILC has a Board of 12 members appointed by the NSMC. The Board exercises the functions of the Body in relation to the Foyle and Carlingford areas through the Loughs Agency. The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson are Mr Winston Patterson and Mr Alan McCulla. Details of the Board membership are as follows: Mr Winston Patterson Mr Alan McCulla Mr Joe Miller Mr Thomas Sloan Mr Jim Wilson Mr Andrew Duncan Mr Donal Tipping Mr Seamus Rodgers Mrs Theresa McLaverty Mr Laurence Arbuckle Mr Michael J McCormick Ms Phil Mahon Mr Mick Murphy Mr Thomas Sloan In January 2013 the Agency was informed of the death of former Board Member Thomas Sloan following a serious illness. Thomas joined the Board of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission in December 2007 and was a man of a quiet disposition and respected by all. He had a keen interest in shellfisheries in Carlingford Lough, was an active member of the Board’s Aquaculture and Shellfisheries sub-committee and was a regular attendee at meetings despite his illness.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Board Meetings No:

Date

Venue

20th February 2013

Ballymascanlon Hotel

17th April

Inland Fisheries Ireland Swords

19th June

Redcastle Hotel

28th August

Whistledown Hotel

25th October

Guildhall

4th December

Redcastle Hotel

Minutes of the above meetings are available on the Agency website www.loughs-agency.org

5. North/South Ministerial Council During 2013 the Agency attended two NSMC Aquaculture and Marine Sectoral meetings on 3rd May and 23rd October. Details of the above meetings are available on the NSMC website http://www. northsouthministerialcouncil.org/

6. Foyle and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum During 2013 the Agency hosted two Advisory Forum meetings on 9th April and 1st October. Minutes of the Advisory Forum meetings are available on the Agency website www.loughs-agency.org

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

7. Staffing The Agency operates within a four Directorate structure (Corporate Services, Conservation & Protection, Aquaculture & Shellfisheries and Development) with a current approved permanent core staffing level of 53. John Pollock Chief Executive Sharon Roulston

John McCartney

Kevin Wilson

Barry Fox

Director of Corporate Services

Director of Conservation and Protection

Director of Development

Director of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

Staff Development The Agency recognises the importance of staff development and the delivery of appropriate continuous personal development initiatives for all staff. Throughout the year the Agency addressed the training and development needs of staff, focusing on knowledge and skills retention and motivation appropriate to the achievement of the organisation’s objectives and individuals’ needs; for example, Sea Survival, Conflict Management, Recruitment and Selection and Equality Awareness.

8. Complaints Handling The Agency has a complaints handling procedure, the procedure can be found http://www.loughs-agency.org/about-us/customer-service The Agency is pleased to report no complaints were received in 2013.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

9. Development The Loughs Agency made huge strides in 2013 towards the promotion and development of both Foyle and Carlingford Loughs for commercial and recreational purposes. A number of prestigious events and programmes are outlined below, many of which attracted very significant numbers of visitors, and contributed to the Agency’s success in this key area. The Loughs Agency plans to build further upon the legacy of many of these events in the coming year. 12th World Youth Fly Fishing Championships The Loughs Agency supported the FIPS Mouche 12th World Youth Fly Fishing Championships, in partnership with the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL), Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and the Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland, in Loughmacrory Lake and the Quiggery River, from 21st- 26th July 2013. The event had a significant impact in the local economy by attracting large numbers of visitors and competitors. The Agency intends to capitalise on the success of this event to promote the opportunity in the coming years, of attracting competitors from the Commonwealth Games which are being held in Glasgow in 2014 and the World Senior Fly Fishing Championships. Discussions with event organisers are at preliminary stage and it is hoped this will be achieved by building on the success of Loughs Agency conservation and protection works, its marketing and promotion strategy and the continuing development of productive working partnerships with sister organisations. World Police and Fire Games The Agency will continue to build on the World Police and Fire Games Sea Angling competition which were held in the Foyle area at the sea wall in Longfield, Eglinton, in 2013 on the outskirts of the City. This hugely successful event attracted 60 participants and approximately 200 spectators over the two days of the competition. The Agency intends to build on the significant legacy of this event to identify further development themes, promote the location, and attract resident and international anglers on a regular basis to this valuable asset.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Review of Angling in Northern Ireland DCAL, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and sporting and angling bodies joined with the Loughs Agency to undertake a strategic review to look at the social and economic benefits of angling. The Agency is keen to promote angling as a sport accessible to all, particularly those who may not have availed of it previously, e.g. people with a physical impairment or older people, through the provision of improved access at sites. Overseas Angling Marketing Events The Loughs Agency continued to promote and market the Foyle and Carlingford catchments throughout 2013. Five shows were targeted: Experience World Fishing, Furstenfeildbruck, Munich, Germany (March); British Fly Fair International, Stafford, England (May); Longleat Fishing and Country Show, Bath, England (May); Lowther Country Fair, Cumbria, England (August); and Hasselt Fly Fishing Festival, Belgium (October), to build on the success of 2012 and incorporate new target audiences. The Agency intends to continue working in partnership with IFI, DCAL and Tourism Ireland to market the attractiveness of angling on the island of Ireland and initiatives such as a joint marketing presence at overseas shows will be built upon. Education and Interpretive Centre “Riverwatch” The Agency’s Riverwatch Aquarium and Visitor Centre welcomed over 19,000 visitors from educational and tourism sectors in 2013. This exceeded the 2012 visitor numbers of 18,295, and brought the total visitor count since opening in 2002 to over 153,000. In 2013, the “River Safaris” and “Angling Taster Sessions” have been very popular with both schools and community groups. The “Trout in the Classroom” project was again fully subscribed and dissection workshops also proved popular. The mobile marine discovery tank was present at several events, including the three day CultureTECH event held in Ebrington Square. In addition, several clean up events, as part of the “Adopt a Stream” programme, were held throughout the year along the coast, in still water lakes and in freshwater streams

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

During the summer, in partnership with the Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership, the Loughs Agency hosted a “River Discovery Day” and launched the ENTRUST funded river walk at Prehen. At Halloween, conservation and environmental groups such as the World of Owls, RSPB, Belfast Zoo, TACT and W5 were invited to participate in a five day Halloween event, an event which attracted 2,700 visitors alone. The success of all of this outreach type of activity sets a benchmark for establishing ambitious and challenging programmes for 2014 which will significantly raise the profile of the Agency in the community. Turner Prize Launch The Turner Prize 2013 was held in Derry, the first time the award ceremony has ever been held outside England. This was part of the City of Culture programme of events and the annual event, now in its 29th year, is widely recognised as the most prestigious award for contemporary art throughout the world. The Agency partnered with Tate Britain to supply local oysters, harvested from Lough Foyle, to the event which was attended by 1500 guests. In addition the Agency supplied local oysters to a reception on the Irish Naval vessel the L. É. Aisling on Lough Foyle. The Turner Prize launch received wide national and international media coverage. Involvement in this high profile and prestigious event again highlighted the societal and civic participation of the Agency and offers opportunity to develop community links and strategic municipal and other Agency relationships in 2014 and future years. Foyle Pontoon – Business Award 2013 The Agency’s Foyle Pontoon project received the award for the Best Tourism Initiative in the City’s Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2013. This award is specifically aimed at recognising an initiative which directly increases visitor numbers to the City. The judge’s commended the project for its ability to expand and improve the way the City cares for its visitors. The award highlighted the contribution of the Agency to tourism and identity development in the City and surrounding region. It is intended to capitalise on this success in 2014 and beyond.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Flavours of the Foyle Seafood Festival The Flavours of the Foyle Seafood Festival led by Derry City Council in partnership with Loughs Agency and NITB, was one of the highlights on this year’s culinary calendar. Live cookery demonstrations were on the menu in the seafood festival marquee and food stalls hosted by local chefs and restaurateurs provided authentic seafood dishes to try and buy. Accompanying family entertainment with the “Taste Adventure” were combined with the Citywide “Seafood Trail” taking in 14 restaurants, with varied fish dishes on offer for a full week. It is estimated that approximately 18,000 people attended the 2 day festival, proving its attraction to large audiences as a stand-a-lone event and its potential for development. The success of this event demonstrates the Agency’s key role in supporting what is now planned to be an annual event to promote and showcase local seafood. Carlingford Oyster Festival Following the official Ministerial launch at the North South Ministerial Council Sectoral meeting in May 2013 and working in partnership with the local organisers, the Agency supported the revamped Carlingford Oyster Festival, in conjunction with Carlingford / Cooley Tourism Association in August 2013. The four day event attracted large numbers of visitors to the Carlingford Village area and showcased locally produced oysters and seafood. The Agency intends to liaise with its partners to promote this as an annual event. Sustainable Development Fund The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) has been a successful vehicle for growing the marine tourism and angling sectors across the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The objective is to reposition the Foyle and Carlingford areas as compelling places to holiday and help showcase the area’s excellent angling destinations. The 2013 round of SDF assistance opened in February and was fully committed, with 67 projects being received. Work has commenced on a Post Project Evaluation and will be submitted to the Sponsor Departments for their consideration.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Malin Head The Loughs Agency, in partnership with Donegal County Council, has secured £208,400 of INTERREG IVa funding to develop the area around Malin Head to facilitate visitors to this iconic site. The project seen the development of a pathway, passing bays and a viewing platform with interpretive panels and telescopes. This project has been the catalyst for possible further development, with the Malin area now being included within the forthcoming “Wild Atlantic Way” project. Benone Beach Activity Centre The Loughs Agency, in partnership with Limavady Borough Council, has secured £486,500 INTERREG IVa funding for the development of the visitor experience at Benone. Benone beach is a multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag and Seaside Award and this project includes the refurbishment of toilets and changing facilities, a shelter area, litterbins, development of a boardwalk across dunes and some SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) car parking. The project, which will provide many improved facilities for visitors to this protected dune and beach habitat is expected to be complete and ready for the 2015 summer season. In addition, the Loughs Agency has taken delivery of two all-terrain wheelchairs which will be made available for visitors to Benone beach. Sail Racing The Agency assisted Lough Foyle Yacht Club with a provincial racing programme. The GP14 Ulster Championships were held in southern Lough Foyle. This two day sailing competition attracted 23 crews from across Ireland. This initiative demonstrates the sailing amenity value of the Lough and its potential to attract future competitions.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

10. Aquaculture and Shellfisheries The total oyster landings for 2012-2013 oyster fishing season were 148 tonnes, an increase from the previous year’s landings of 114 tonnes. The majority of the landings were made in the first 4 weeks of the season. Market prices were slightly higher in 2012/13 with prices for bulk product ranging from €4.50€5.50/kg. This equates to a landings value in the region of €740,000. A number of surveys were completed in 2013 including the spring and autumn oyster fishery surveys and seed mussel surveys in Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough. No viable commercial seed beds were found during these surveys. Two IBIS MSc projects, researching the relationships between water bird assemblages and foreshore usage, with particular emphasis on aquaculture on the foreshore, were progressed. The data collected from these surveys and the survey last year has already been used by DARD and Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) with regards to an in-combination appropriate assessment for an application for aquaculture development on Carlingford Lough. The continuing work and collection of data will help to underpin future development. The MMV Ostrea worked in excess of 80 days at sea in 2013. The vessel has been critical in completing the Agency’s annual surveys, assisting in the IBIS student’s fieldwork programme and samplings for both Food Standards Agencies in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The 2013/14 oyster fishing season began on the 19th September with 49 fishermen receiving licences. The returns are positive with a further slight increase on the landings when compared to the same period in the previous season. A pre-assessment for MSC Certification for the Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery was commissioned. The fishery passed the pre-assessment and it is intended that the process will lead to a certification that confirms the sustainability of the fishery at a global scale, based on the management and regulation regimes implemented by Loughs Agency. The Agency has commenced the field work element for the delivery of a carrying capacity model for Lough Foyle in conjunction with AFBI. This two

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

year project will continue in 2014 and will provide significant management information to support the Agency in informed decision making on the development of wild shellfisheries and aquaculture in Lough Foyle.

11. Corporate The Agency continued to meet its Corporate Governance responsibilities, evident through regular Audit Sub-Committee meetings and complying with Risk Management, Equality and Efficiency objectives. The Agency is committed to providing training and learning opportunities to all staff and seeks to ensure this is conducted in order to meet organisational needs and to help staff to become more effective in their roles. The Agency held regular Risk Management meetings and developed the Risk Register in line with Departmental guidance. Two High Risk areas remain on the Corporate Risk Register, the outstanding review of the Financial Memorandum and the lack of progress on the development of the Management Agreement for Lough Foyle. The Agency monitored its expenditure against approved budgets on a regular basis and reported any variances to its Sponsor Departments. The Agency received a Satisfactory Audit rating from DARD and DCENR Internal Auditors. The 2012 Financial Statements where signed in July 2014. The introduction of a Balanced Scorecard system aided the efficient and effective delivery of the Agency’s Business Plan 2013 and will be further developed in 2014. The continued implementation of the Customer Charter has demonstrated the Agency’s commitment to quality service delivery and formalised our approach to all aspects of our service

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

12. Conservation And Protection Loughs Agency Conservation and Protection staff had a number of significant successes in the courts in both jurisdictions. The Agency has successfully brought cases against anglers, salmon poachers, commercial Oyster fishermen and persons causing water pollution. The Agency has experienced increased support from both the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Siochána, which given the often dangerous nature of the protection duties performed by staff, was welcome. The Agency wishes to record thanks to those concerned. In 2013 (January to September), Agency staff have seized 131 illegal nets, 47 rods, 3 boats, 205 fish, 35 bags of oysters and 1 car. Staff have dealt with 52 pollution incidents including one wild fish kill, and taken 5 sets of statutory samples. This represents considerable progress in circumstances where field based resources are contracting, given the need to deliver efficiencies. Salmon populations in the main rivers have remained stable with the Rivers Faughan and Roe meeting their management targets and the River Finn and River Mourne showing an incremental increase of approximately 15% in salmon numbers since the lows recorded in 2010 and 2011. The Loughs Agency Conservation and Protection Directorate intends to maintain the existing programme, striving towards sustainability in inland fisheries. The Agency also plans, depending on available resources to develop programmes which supplement the collapse in populations of the European eel stock and ensure a scientific leading role in the delivery of marine and intertidal programmes arising from EU Directives.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Appendix 1 - Outturn Against Targets Priorities, Objectives & Targets For 2013 PRIORITY: CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OBJECTIVE 1

To conserve, protect, manage and improve the fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

KEY ACTIVITY 1.1

Inform

1.2

Manage

1.3

Sustain

PERFORMANCE TARGET 1.1.1

Freshwater Status - Reports published every two years.

Activity: Audit points, habitat Update: Completed. surveys, electro-fishing, Barriers to Migration and Invasive species Survey etc. will be completed by October each year and undertake consultation with our stakeholders within 2 months of completion. 1.1.2

Stock Indices – Initiate research to develop stock indices for each of the sub catchments and affirm the levels by January of each year of the plan.

Activity: We will develop an index that utilises egg deposition population surveys and habitat type to establish the conservation status.

Update: One IBIS report completed at masters level and on follow on PhD programme in progress.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

1.1.3

Still Water Status Reports - Reports every two years.

Activity: We will collect the Update: Newry Canal survey was undertaken in data required to produce and October 2013 will be written up by end March publish Status Reports on 2014. 2 freshwater lakes or other low dynamic water bodies by December of each year and undertake consultation with our stakeholders within 2 months of completion. 1.2.1

Regulation – We will provide appropriate regulation to deliver Statutory obligations.

Activity: Review effectiveness Update: Regulatory review completed and of Regulations by end of sent to Sponsor Departments. Schedule of January of each year and secondary legislation being prioritised. provide draft amendments, revocation or new regulations by end of June of each year. 1.2.2

To develop & improve GIS technologies to provide GIS support across all directorates.

Activity: Assessment of GIS hardware and software to include GPS units and web mapping viewers by December annually. 1.2.3

To provide a GIS field data recording solution for all Loughs Agency surveys across directorates.

Activity: Assessment of the appropriate mapping and GPS unit preparation for each survey by December annually.

Update: Up to date with all updates and upgrades on GIS and GPS units. Trialling of new ruggedized tablet technology in October 2013 was undertaken and data management / linkage to GIS is under review following this.

Update: All units out at moment across all directorates and ongoing and on target.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 1.2.4

Reinstatement - We will undertake the development of at least 2 reinstatement projects by December of each year.

Activity: We will design and implement at least two reinstatement projects with the agreement of riparian owners and fishery interests by December of each year. We will also facilitate Habitat improvement by holding at least 1 Practical workshop per annum. 1.2.5

Update: All on target

Pollution Incidents and unlicensed removal of Gravel.

Activity: We will respond to incidents as follows: High severity with 4 hours of report; Medium severity within 12 hours of report; and Low severity within 24 hours of report. 1.2.7

Update: Completed.

Enforcement – We will continue to carry out enforcement duties in line with the published policy and the principles of better regulation throughout each year.

Activity: Following enforcement activities throughout the year, files recommending prosecution will be with the Agency solicitors within five months of any incident. 1.2.6

2013

Update: All on target.

Illegal fishing.

Activity: We will respond to incidents within 4 hours of report.

Update: All on target.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

1.3.1

Salmon – to Report on compliance with management targets for each of the river systems by December of each year.

Activity: We will maintain efficient counters and accurately establish catch data to ensure that salmon numbers are recorded. 1.3.2

Brown Trout, Sea Trout and Coarse fish - we will establish further baseline data by December of each year.

Activity: We will initiate the data collection of brown trout, coarse fish and fish species of Conservation importance population levels in 2 sites by December of each year. 1.3.3

Update: Index site to be fished in October and also IBIS student gathering baseline data on trout genetics.

Update: Linked to Newry Canal survey

All freshwater and marine data to be compiled and processed on GIS suitable for reporting within 2 months of receipt.

Activity: We will continue to gather and process data in a timely manner.

Newry Canal survey completed October 2013 report to be written up by end March 2014.

Pike – we will initiate and introduce stock assessments by December of each year.

Activity: We will initiate and introduce stock assessment on the Newry canal in the period of the current plan. 1.3.5

Update: Survey of Lough Finn completed in 2013 and acoustic tracking of both trout morphs and eels.

Sea Trout- We will conduct assessments by October of each year.

Activity: We will continue to investigate methodologies for the accurate monitoring and assessment of sea trout stocks by December of each year. 1.3.4

Update: All counters functional except Corrick which is not a key station. Environment Agency of England set to carry out a review of programme.

Update: On target.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 1.3.6

2013

To update GIS web viewers annually by December.

Update: Up to date. Activity: We will gather the necessary data to populate the viewers during each year. 1.3.7

To deliver on WFD and Habitat monitoring obligations and inspire directive and appropriate regulations.

Activity: We will undertake assessments to ensure that the Agency meets its obligations. 1.3.8

Update: INSPIRE complete on target. WFD and Habitats met targets.

To report on 80% of the 92 identified sites per month for water chemistry for June to September of each year.

Update: Complete. Activity: We will continue to sample the 92 identified sites in of each year. 1.3.9

To report on 80% of the 92 macro invertebrate identified sites during the period April to September of each year.

Activity: We will continue to sample the 92 sites which have been identified, during each year 1.3.10

To respond to planning consultations and all applications within 15 working days and to respond to any other consultations within agreed timescales.

Activity: We will continue to evaluate all consultations. 1.3.11

Update: 100% complete.

Update: To be updated from database.

To report on the water quality status of rivers by December of each year.

Activity: We will continue to undertake sampling at 92 sites and maintain the Environmental Monitoring Systems at a number of key sites.

Update: Complete.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

PRIORITY: AQUACULTURE AND SHELLFISHERIES OBJECTIVE 2

To Licence and Develop Aquaculture

KEY ACTIVITY 2.1

Inform

2.2

Manage

2.3

Sustain

PERFORMANCE TARGET 2.1.1

Sea Lough Status - Reports published annually by July of the year following.

Activity: In addition to current Update: Completed. data sets, we will evaluate all licensed aquaculture operations annually and audit 10% and undertake consultation with our stakeholders within 2 months of completion. 2.1.2

Carrying Capacity Models – to progress the development for each sea Lough throughout the year.

Activity: We will deliver an operational model for Lough Foyle by December 2013. 2.1.3

Update: Fieldwork initiated for Carrying Capacity Model. SLA signed with AFBI.

Consultation with Board, Advisory Forum, Focus Groups and Stakeholders.

Activity: Undertake a Update: Completed. minimum of 12 consultation meetings by December 2013.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2.2.1

2013

Licensing – we will establish and implement the licensing of Aquaculture in Lough Foyle and review the Aquaculture operation in Carlingford Lough by December 2013.

Activity: We will process all Update: Awaiting delivery of the Management licence applications within Agreement and enactment the secondary 6 months of receipt and legislation for aquaculture licensing. undertake annual evaluations of each licence. 2.3.1

Production Report – We will publish baseline generic production of all aquaculture and shellfisheries species and evaluate the sustainability of the sector by April 2013.

Activity: We will ensure Update: Awaiting delivery of the management compliance with report and agreement and enactment of secondary operating conditions of all legislation for aquaculture licensing. aquaculture and shellfisheries licences and audit 10% of those returns. We will conduct at least 1 inspection of licensed sites annually. 2.3.2

MSC Certification for the Native Oyster fishery in Lough Foyle.

Activity: We will initiate a scoping exercise on the feasibility of delivering MSC certification for the Lough Foyle oyster fishery in 2013. 2.3.3

Update: Pre assessment completed.

Develop a reinstatement/enhancement programme for the Lough Foyle native oyster fishery by December 2013.

Activity: Identify areas Update: Being developed in line with the IBIS suitable for reinstatement/ Oyster PHD for Lough Foyle. Trial harrowing enhancement and begin work has taken place. where possible.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

2.3.4

Environmental Impact.

Activity: In accordance with the Corporate Plan 20112013 (Sections 3 and 4), we will continue the monitoring of the environmental parameters during 2013 to evaluate if they are “fit for purpose” and adjust as necessary. Activities to be undertaken include invasive species and bird surveys. All activities will be completed and evaluated by December 2013. 2.3.5

Summary reports on waterbird surveys for Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough are available and statistical analysis is ongoing.

Environmental Monitoring Systems.

Activity: We will maintain environmental monitoring systems in Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough and produce telemetry reports quarterly. We will undertake these responsibilities from existing resources.

Update: Evaluation of methodologies were undertaken in 2013.

Update: Annual telemetry reports are available, quarterly reports being developed for 2014.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

PRIORITY: DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE 3

Develop Marine Tourism and Angling

KEY ACTIVITY 3.1

Inform

3.2

Manage

3.3

Sustain

PERFORMANCE TARGET 3.1.1

Status Reports on Marine Tourism and Angling Reports published annually by December 2013.

Activity: We will evaluate the extent of infrastructure available and its usage by locals, visitors and tourists. 3.1.2

Opportunity Identification By July 2013.

Activity: Review current infrastructure against “centre of excellence” or cluster model and identify gaps and publish / share this information.

3.1.3

Update: Achieved. Marine Tourism and Angling Status Reports completed. In addition the status report has been completed for Riverwatch and outreach activities.

Update: Achieved. Examples of projects are as follows:Core funded small to medium scale project proposals have been developed and implemented. Projects include: - beach access (duneland sustainable boardwalk access, passing places on access roads to beaches, beach wheelchair); marine ecotourism (basking shark, birds); marine event platform (pontoons); shoreline Greenway walking and cycling trail; and a sailing school.

Promotion Marine Tourism and angling in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

Activity: Undertake 12 promotional events by December 2013 focused on both Angling and Marine Tourism where possible in partnership with “cross cutting” Agencies.

Update: Achieved. The number of Marine Tourism, Angling and Riverwatch Events have far exceeded the targets and the Agency has worked in partnership with statutory, private sector and voluntary sector organisations and governing bodies.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

3.1.4

Consultation with Board, Advisory Forum, Focus Groups and Stakeholders.

Activity: Undertake a Update: Achieved. Throughout 2013 the minimum of 12 consultation development team have met with our statutory meetings by December 2013. partners, governing bodies, key stakeholders and user groups covering the themes of Marine Tourism, Angling development and Riverwatch and Education activities. 3.1.5

Identify Potential Funding.

Activity: Identify opportunities for alternate funding and coordinate, where possible, 3 applications by December 2013.

3.2.1

Update: Achieved. Various initiatives have been undertaken in 2013 Staff within the Development Team have been working in partnership to develop and deliver key projects. Additional funding support has been gained in partnership working with Derry City Council for the Food Programme, Carlingford Cooley Tourism Initiative, Foyle Port, Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, Louth County Council and various local angling clubs.

To utilise INTERREG Funding available.

Activity: Progress the delivery Update: Achieved. of “letter of offer” for tourism A progress table has been completed for the projects by December 2013 various elements of the programme – please – including the delivery of 5 see attached. projects. Malin Head and Benone projects have been launched. 3.2.2

Operate the Sustainable Development Fund.

Activity: Deliver up to 13 Marine Tourism and Angling projects through equitable, transparent and auditable procedures by December 2013.

Update: Achieved. The SDF 2013 Programme was launched February 2013. Letters of Offer have been issued to reserve projects bringing the total number to 32.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 3.2.3

Deliver Alternative Funding.

Activity: Deliver “letters of offer” for alternative funding secured by December 2013. 3.3.1

Update: Achieved. Each of the funded projects are underway and delivery expected to be completed within agreed timeframes.

Monitor and report on resources and usage of Marine Tourism and Angling.

Activity: Maintain the existing resources and where possible, improve availability of Marine Tourism and Angling resources by December 2013.

3.3.2

2013

Update: Achieved. A programme of monitoring has been drafted and is being considered by the Development team. This monitoring information will be used in the progression of the evaluation of the programmes and projects currently underway. This has been informed not only by the completion of the status reports but also through the continuing interaction with stakeholders.

To establish quantum of leverage by Marine Tourism and Angling Stakeholders.

Update: Achieved. The Interreg IVA programme Activity: Establish investments made as a result represents full funding, being at a level of of leverage created by grant 100%. aid (INTERREG, SDF or other) There is considerable in kind contribution from partners in the Interreg programme and with by December 2013. other projects such as SDF and core funded projects. The Sustainable Development Fund levers at least 25% match funding. 3.3.3

To increase the public understanding of the resources of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

Activity: Throughout 2013 develop Riverwatch and outreach programmes maintaining the 2012 visitor numbers and participants.

Update: 19,220+ Visitors between Jan and December 2013. 160+ groups through Riverwatch programmes between January and December 2013.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

PRIORITY: CORPORATE OBJECTIVE 4

To effectively and efficiently deliver our statutory mandate and responsibilities.

KEY ACTIVITY 4.1

Inform

4.2

Manage

4.3

Sustain

PERFORMANCE TARGET 4.1.1

To publish Annual Reports and Financial Statements.

Activity: Prepare and present Financial Statements and Annual Reports in line with statutory requirements and deadlines.

4.1.2

Review Staff and Agency Policies.

Activity: Complete review of all staff and Agency Policies, obtain endorsement of them, publish on the Intranet and implement by September 2013. 4.1.3

Update: Complete.

To manage resources within the annual agreed budgets.

Activity: Manage resources to ensure availability for business needs and demonstrate efficiency of delivery by cost based measurement.

Update: Review of all HR policies ongoing in consultation with Trade Unions – regular meetings have been timetabled for the year.

To Improve Customer Service.

Activity: Review Customer Charter and publish on website by December 2013. 4.2.1

Update: On Target – the Agency has agreed a timetable for Audit and signoff with the Northern Ireland Audit Office. Draft 2012 Financial Statements were submitted to the NIAO on 29th March 2013. NSMC clearance of the accounts and annual report was given at the Sectoral meeting on 23rd October. It is anticipated that the final sign off of the Accounts will be complete in early 2014.

Update: All expenditure on target and in line with the Agency’s efficiency delivery plan. All variances reported on a monthly basis.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 4.2.2

To measure and manage Performance of the Agency.

Activity: Develop further our performance measurement and management using appropriate monitoring tools by April 2013. 4.2.3

Update: Ongoing – performance appraisal system rolled out and this includes the identification of individual training needs and personal development plans. 6 monthly reviews complete and training needs identified.

To Improve Communication.

Activity: We will continue to develop effective communication with our stakeholders through our website, outreach activities and Customer Charter and review twice in 2013.

4.3.2

Update: Performance management tools developed and training completed in March 2013. Appraisal process now implemented and continuing. All 6 monthly reviews are now complete.

To Train and Develop Staff and supporting partners (such as Private River Watchers).

Activity: We will continue to invest in the development of our staff through the delivery of our training and development policy and progressing personal development plans throughout 2013. 4.3.1

2013

Update: Achieved – 2011 Annual Report and Accounts approved by NSMC on 4th July 2012. Update: Regular Audit Sub-Committee meetings and Risk Management meetings held throughout the year. Meetings for 2012 held on 29 March 2012, 30 May 2012, 19 September 2012 and 21 November 2012.

To maintain good Corporate Governance.

Activity: We will meet our obligations for the preparation of corporate governance documentation and achieve unqualified financial statements and satisfactory audit reports within agreed timescales.

Update: On target – Audit Sub Committee training completed on 25th January 2013. Both internal and external audits are ongoing and recommendations will be reported to the Board and Audit Sub Committee.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Gníomhaireacht Na Lochanna Tuarascáil Bhliantúil A Chumhdaíonn an Tréimhse ón 1 Eanáir 2013 go dtí an 31 Nollaig 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Gníomhaireacht Na Lochanna

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais Bhliantúla Don tréimhse dar críoch 31 Nollag 2013

Arna chur faoi bhráid Thionól Thuaisceart Éireann agus dhá theach an Oireachtais de réir an Ordaithe um Chomhoibriú Thuaidh/Theas (Forais Forfheidhmiúcháin) (Tuaisceart Éireann) 1999 Sceideal 1, Iarscríbhinn 2, Cuid 7, Paragraif 1.3 agus 2.6.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

LEATHANACH CLÁR ÁBHAR 1.

Léargas Ginearálta an Phríomh-Fheidhmeannaigh

Ráiteas Misin

Cuspóirí

Comhaltaí Boird

AN COMHAIRLE AIREACHTA THUAIDH/THEAS

Fóram Comhairleach an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn

Foireann

DÉILEÁIL LE GEARÁIN

FORBAIRT

10.

DOBHARSHAOTHRÚ AGUS IASCAIGH SLIOGÉISC

11.

CORPARÁIDEACH

12.

Caomhnú agus Cosaint

Aguisín 1 – TORTHAÍ IN AGHAIDH SPRIOCANNA

Tosaíochtaí, Cuspóirí agus Spriocanna Faoi Choinne 2013

Caomhnú agus Cosaint

Ddobharshaothrú

Forbairt

102

Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

108

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

1. Léargas Ginearálta an Phríomh-Fheidhmeannaigh Tá áthas orm Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2013, ina mionsonraítear obair na gníomhaireachta le linn na bliana a chur in bhur láthair. Bliain spreagúil don Ghníomhaireacht a bhí in 2013 mar gheall ar an pháirt a ghlacamar in imeachtaí Chathair an Chultúir. Chuaigh Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna i bpáirt le Cuideachta an Chultúir 2013 d’fhonn imeachtaí éagsúla a mhaoiniú, rud a thug deis dúinn Loch Feabhail agus obair na Gníomhaireachta a chur chun cinn i láthair an phobail. Ar cheann de bhuaicphointí 2013 bhí searmanas duaiseanna an Turner Prize, a reáchtáladh taobh amuigh de Shasana den chéad uair riamh. Chuaigh an Ghníomhaireacht i bpáirt le Tate Britain chun oisrí leathana as Loch Feabhail a sholáthar, rud a ndearnadh tuairisceoireacht fhairsing air sna meáin náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Anois agus an bhliain oidhreachta 2014 ann, tá sé beartaithe ag an Ghníomhaireacht leanúint den obair phoiblíochta ar acmhainní bia mara cheantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Tá roinnt imeachtaí beartaithe agus beifear ag leanúint den chaidreamh láidir oibre atá againn le páirtithe eile. Leanfar fosta den obair maidir le feidhmiú ár gcláir forbartha i réimsí na Turasóireachta Muirí agus na nIascach Áineasa. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh na cláir seo, atá maoinithe ag an AE, curtha i gcrích faoin spriocdháta in 2015. Tháinig deireadh lenár scéim miondeontas, an Ciste Forbartha Inbhuanaithe, i ndeireadh 2013 agus meastar gur éirigh thar cionn leis. Tá súil againn go bhfaighfear gach faomhadh is gá le linn 2014 le go leanfar den scéim san am atá le teacht. Bíonn neart daoine fós ag tarraingt ar ionad léirmhíniúcháin na Gníomhaireachta, “Riverwatch”. Tá os cionn 150,000 duine i ndiaidh cuairt a thabhairt air ón uair a osclaíodh é in 2002. Dar linn, is fearr an t-eolas agus an tuiscint a bhíonn ag na cuairteoirí sin ar acmhainní Aibhneacha agus Lochanna na ndobharcheantar de bharr a gcuairte, rud a chuideoidh leis na hacmhainní sin a chosaint san am ata le teacht. Tá idirbheartaíocht ar siúl go fóill leis an Crown Estates Commission agus leis an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara chun an Comhaontú Bainistíochta faoi choinne na Lochanna a thabhairt chun críche, rud a chuirfidh ar chumas

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

na Gníomhaireachta tús a chur le Ceadúnú an Dobharshaothraithe ar Loch Feabhail. Níor thángthas ar chomhaontú go fóill ach táthar ag súil go ndéanfar dul chun cinn le linn 2014. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a thabhairt don Bhord as an chomhairle agus an treoir a thug siad don Ghníomhaireacht maidir le comhlíonadh ár gcuid freagrachtaí le linn 2013 agus as a dtiomantas don Ghníomhaireacht seo. Is mian liom fosta mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl do mo chomhghleacaithe uilig as a saineolas, a dtiomantas agus a ngairmiúlacht a léirigh siad agus freagrachtaí na Gníomhaireachta seo á gcomhlíonadh acu. Gabhaim buíochas fosta leis na Ranna Coimircíochta as a dtacaíocht agus a gcomhairle siúd. John Pollock Príomhfheidhmeannach

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

2. Ráiteas Misin Sochair inbhuanaithe, shóisialta, gheilleagracha agus timpeallachta a sholáthar do phobail na ndobharcheantar trí chaomhnú, cosaint, bainistíocht, taighde, cur chun cinn agus forbairt éifeachtach iascaigh agus acmhainní mara Cheantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

3. Cuspóirí Is iad príomhchuspóirí na Gníomhaireachta i gCeantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn:• Na hiascaigh bradán agus intíre a chaomhnú agus a chosaint; • Na hiascaigh bradán agus intíre a bhainistiú agus a fhorbairt; • Forbairt Loch Feabhail agus Loch Chairlinn a chur chun cinn i gcúrsaí tráchtála agus áineasa; • An dobharshaothrú a cheadúnú agus a fhorbairt; • An turasóireacht mhuirí a fhorbairt; • Tuilleadh éifeachtachta agus feabhsú leanúnach a lorg i soláthar seirbhísí do gach custaiméir; agus • Úsáid éifeachtach, éifeachtúil agus tíosach na n-acmhainní atá ar fáil don Ghníomhaireacht a chinntiú. • Tá cuntas in Aguisín 1 ar mar a d’éirigh linn na cuspóirí sin agus spriocanna eile a bhaint amach.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

4. Comhaltaí Boird 12 bhall atá ar Bhord CFCSÉ, arna gceapadh ag CATT. Cuireann an Bord, trí Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, feidhmeanna an Chomhlachta i bhfeidhm maidir le ceantar an Fheabhail agus ceantar Chairlinn. Is é an tUas. Winston Patterson an Cathaoirleach agus is é an tUas. Alan McCulla an LeasChathaoirleach. Is iad seo a leanas na comhaltaí Boird: An tUas. Winston Patterson An tUas. Alan McCulla An tUas. Joe Miller An tUas. Thomas Sloan An tUas. Jim Wilson An tUas. Andrew Duncan An tUas. Donal Tipping An tUas. Seamus Rodgers An tUas. Theresa McLaverty An tUas. Laurence Arbuckle An tUas. Michael J McCormick An tUas. Phil Mahon An tUas. Mick Murphy An tUasal Thomas Sloan In Eanáir 2013, cuireadh in iúl don Ghníomhaireacht go bhfuair Thomas Sloan, iar-Chomhalta Boird, bás i ndiaidh tinneas tromchúiseach. Ceapadh Thomas ar Bhord Choimisiún Shoilse an Fheabhail, Chairlinn agus na hÉireann i mí na Nollag 2007. Fear ciúin a bhí ann a raibh meas ag gach duine air. Bhí an dúspéis aige in iascaigh sliogéisc i Loch Cairlinn, bhí sé ina bhall gníomhach d’fhochoiste Dobharshaothraithe agus Iascaigh Sliogéisc an Bhoird agus bhíodh sé i láthair ar chruinnithe ar bhonn rialta d’ainneoin an tinnis.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Cruinnithe Boird Uimh:

Dáta

Ionad

20 Feabhra 2013

Óstán Bhaile Mhic Scanláin

17 Aibreán

Iascaigh Intíre na hÉireann, Sord

19 Meitheamh

Óstán Charraig Mhic Uidhilín

28 Lúnasa

Óstán Whistledown

25 Deireadh Fómhair

An Gildhalla

4 Nollaig

Óstán Charraig Mhic Uidhilín

Tá miontuairiscí na gcruinnithe thuas ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta www.loughs-agency.org.

5. An Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh / Theas (CATT) D’fhreastail an Ghníomhaireacht ar dhá chruinniú de chuid CATT maidir le Dobharshaothrú agus Cúrsaí Muirí sa bhliain 2013, ar an 3 Bealtaine agus ar an 23 Deireadh Fómhair 2013. Tá sonraí i dtaobh na gcruinnithe thuas ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta www.loughs-agency.org.

6. Fóram Comhairleach Cheantar an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn Rinne an Ghníomhaireacht dhá chruinniú de chuid an Fhóraim Chomhairligh a óstáil le linn 2013, ar an 9 Aibreán agus ar an 1 Deireadh Fómhair. Tá miontuairiscí chruinnithe an Fhóraim Chomhairligh ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta www.loughs-agency.org.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

7. Soláthar Foirne Feidhmíonn an Ghníomhaireacht taobh istigh de struchtúr ceithre Stiúrthóireacht (Seirbhísí Corparáideacha, Caomhnú agus Cosaint, Dobharshaothrú agus Iascaigh Sliogéisc agus Forbairt). Is é an leibhéal foirne faofa atá ann faoi láthair ná croífhoireann 53 duine.

John Pollock Príomh-fheidhmeannach

Sharon Roulston Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

John McCartney

Kevin Wilson

Barry Fox

Stiúrthóir Caomhnaithe agus Cosanta

Stiúrthóir Forbartha

Stiúrthóir Dobharshaothraithe & Iascach Sliogéisc

Forbairt Foirne Aithníonn an Ghníomhaireacht an tábhacht atá le forbairt foirne agus a thábhachtaí is atá sé tionscnaimh chuí forbairt phearsanta a sholáthar don fhoireann uilig ar bhonn leanúnach. I rith na bliana ar fad, chuaigh an Ghníomhaireacht i ngleic le riachtanais oiliúna agus forbartha na foirne. Díríodh ar eolas agus scileanna atá ann cheana a thabhairt slán agus ar spreagadh a thabhairt ar mhaithe le cuspóirí na heagraíochta agus riachtanais an bhaill foirne, mar shampla Teacht Slán i bhFarraige, Bainistíocht Coinbhleachta, Earcaíocht agus Roghnú agus Feasacht ar Chomhionannais.

8. Déileáil Le Gearáin Tá nósanna imeachta ag an Ghníomhaireacht maidir le gearáin. Tá gach eolas ar fáil ag http://www.loughs-agency.org/about-us/customer-service. Is cúis sásaimh don Ghníomhaireacht a thuairisciú nach bhfuarthas gearán ar bith le linn 2013.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

9: Ionad Oideachais agus Léirithe “Riverwatch” Rinne Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna dul cinn fíorshuntasach in 2013 maidir le Loch Feabhail agus Loch Chairlinn a fhorbairt agus a chur chun cinn ó thaobh na tráchtála agus an áineasa de. Tá achoimre thíos ar imeachtaí agus cláir éagsúla a raibh an-ghradam ag baint leo agus a tharraing líon suntasach cuairteoirí, rud a dheimhnigh an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag an Ghníomhaireacht sa chroíréimse seo. Tá sé beartaithe ag Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna na deiseanna a cruthaíodh de bharr na n-imeachtaí seo a thapú le linn na bliana amach romhainn. Na 12ú Craobhchomórtais Dhomhanda Flaidireachta don Óige I gcomhpháirt leis an Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta (RCEF), Iascaigh Intíre Éireann (IIÉ) agus Cónaidhm Iascairí Breac na hÉireann, thug Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna tacaíocht do na 12ú Craobhchomórtais Dhomhanda Flaidireachta don Óige de chuid FIPS Mouche, a bhí ar siúl ar Loch Mhic Ruairí agus Abhainn Uí Choigligh, 21- 26 Iúil 2013. Bhí tionchar nár bheag ag an imeacht seo ar gheilleagar an dá cheantar, mar tharraing sé anchuid cuairteoirí agus iomaitheoirí. Tá sé i gceist ag an Ghníomhaireacht na deiseanna a d’eascair as rath an imeachta seo a thapú, féachaint an féidir cuid de na hiomaitheoirí a bheidh páirteach i gcomórtais eile sna blianta amach romhainn a mhealladh, cuir i gcás, Cluichí an Chomhfhlathais a bheidh ar siúl i nGlaschú in 2014 agus Craobhchomórtais Dhomhanda Flaidireachta na Sinsear. Tá tús curtha leis an phlé le lucht eagraithe na n-imeachtaí sin agus táthar ag súil le sochar a bhaint as an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna maidir le hoibreacha caomhnaithe agus cosanta, ár straitéis mhargaíochta agus phoiblíochta agus an fhorbairt leanúnach a dhéantar le go mbeidh caidreamh oibre torthúil againn le heagraíochtaí atá ag saothrú sa réimsí céanna linn. Cluichí Domhanda na bPóilíní agus Lucht Múchta Dóiteán Leanfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht den chomórtas Slatiascaireacht Farraige de chuid Chluichí Domhanda na bPóilíní agus Lucht Múchta Dóiteán, a ritheadh in 2013 i gceantar an Fheabhail agus ar imeall na cathrach, ag an bhalla mara i Longfield, an Mhagh. D’éirigh thar cionn leis an imeacht seo, a tharraing 60 rannpháirtí agus lucht féachana timpeall 200 thar dhá lá an chomórtais. Tá sé

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

beartaithe ag an Ghníomhaireacht rath an imeachta seo a chur chun sochair ar mhaithe le tuilleadh téamaí forbartha a aithint, an t-ionad a chur chun cinn agus slatiascairí ó bhaile is ó thíortha thar lear a mhealladh ar bhonn rialta. Athbhreithniú ar an tSlatiascaireacht i dTuaisceart Éireann Tháinig RCEF agus Bord Turasóireachta Thuaisceart Éireann (NITB) i gcomhar le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna agus le heagraíochtaí spóirt agus slatiascaireachta le tabhairt faoi athbhreithniú straitéiseach ar na sochair shóisialta agus gheilleagracha a bhaineann leis an tslatiascaireacht. Is mian go mór leis an Ghníomhaireacht feabhas a chur ar áiseanna rochtana ag láithreacha slatiascaireachta d’fhonn an spórt a chur chun cinn mar chaitheamh aimsire ar féidir le gach duine páirt a ghlacadh ann, go háirithe iad siúd nár thriail cheana féin í, mar shampla daoine scothaosta nó daoine a bhfuil lagú coirp ag cur as dóibh. Imeachtaí Margaíochta Slatiascaireachta Thar Lear Lean Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna orainn i gcaitheamh na bliana 2013 ag cur dhobharcheantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn chun cinn. D’fhonn cur leis an mhéid a baineadh amach in 2012, agus d’fhonn spriocmhargaí nua a aimsiú, díríodh isteach ar chúig sheó faoi leith: Experience World Fishing, Furstenfeildbruck, München, an Ghearmáin (Márta); Seó Flaidireachta Idirnáisiúnta na Breataine, Stafford, Sasana (Bealtaine); Seó Iascaireachta agus Tuaithe Longleat, Bath, Sasana (Bealtaine); Aonach Tuaithe Lowther, Cumbria, Sasana (Lúnasa); agus Féile Flaidireachta Hasselt, an Bheilg (Deireadh Fómhair). Tá sé beartaithe ag an Ghníomhaireacht leanúint den chomhpháirtíocht le IIÉ, RCEF agus Fáilte Éireann le margaíocht a dhéanamh ar fheabhas na slatiascaireachta in Éirinn le go mbeidh meitheal mhargaíochta i láthair ag seónna thar lear. Ionad Oideachais agus Léirmhíniúcháin “Riverwatch” Thug os cionn 19,000 duine ó earnálacha an oideachais agus na turasóireachta cuairt ar Uisceadán agus Ionad Cuairteoirí “Riverwatch” le linn 2013. Ba mhéadú é sin ar an 18,295 cuairteoir a bhí ann in 2012. Os cionn 153,000 duine a thug cuairt ar an ionad ó osclaíodh sa bhliain 2002 é.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Bhí an-tóir ag scoileanna agus ag grúpaí pobail ar na cláir ‘Safari Abhann’ agus ‘Céadchleachtadh Slatiascaireachta’ in 2013. Ach oiread leis an bhliain seo caite, níor fágadh folúntas ar bith do rannpháirtithe sa tionscadal ‘An Bradán sa Seomra Ranga’ agus bhí éileamh mar an gcéanna ar na ceardlanna diosctha. Tugadh an t-umar fionnachtana muirí soghluaiste chuig roinnt imeachtaí, lena n-áirítear an ócáid trí lá CultureTECH i gCearnóg Ebrington. Anuas air sin, eagraíodh roinnt imeachtaí glantacháin i gcaitheamh na bliana timpeall lochanna ciúinuisce agus srutháin fionnuisce ar feadh an chósta mar chuid den chlár ‘Imigh le Sruthán/Adopt a Stream’. Le linn an tsamhraidh, chuaigh Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna i gcomhar le Comhpháirtíocht Thírdhreach Ghleann Fhochaine le ‘Lá Fionnachtana Abhann’ a óstáil agus siúlán cois abhann a oscailt i bPréachán, tionscadal atá maoinithe ag ENTRUST. Tugadh cuireadh do ghrúpaí caomhnaithe agus comhshaoil mar World of Owls, RSPB, Zú Bhéal Feirste, TACT agus W5 a bheith páirteach in imeacht cúig lá i dtrátha na Samhna, imeacht ar fhreastail 2,700 cuairteoir air. Is i bhfianaise rath na ngníomhaíochtaí for-rochtana sin a dhéanfar cláir uaillmhianacha, dhúshlánacha a leagan amach i gcomhair 2014 a chuirfidh an Ghníomhaireacht i láthair an phobail níos mó ná riamh. Seoladh an Turner Prize Is i nDoire a reáchtáladh an Turner Prize in 2013, an chéad uair riamh a bhí na himeachtaí seo ar siúl taobh amuigh de Shasana. Is mar pháirt de chlár Chathair an Chultúir a bhí imeachtaí an Turner Prize ar siúl, duaischomórtas atá á reáchtáil le 29 bliain agus a aithnítear ar cheann de na duaiseanna is gradamaí sna healaíona comhaimseartha ar fud an domhain. Chuaigh an Ghníomhaireacht i gcomhpháirt le Tate Britain le hoisrí as Loch Feabhail a chur ar fáil don 1500 aoi a bhí i láthair. Chomh maith leis sin, rinne an Ghníomhaireacht oisrí de chuid na háite a sholáthar le linn ócáid fáilte ar bord an tsoithigh L. É. Aisling ar Loch Feabhail. Rinneadh clúdach fairsing ar an Turner Prize sna meáin náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Ba léiriú eile ar rannpháirteachas na Gníomhaireachta i gcúrsaí sóisialta agus sibhialta muid a bheith páirteach san imeacht gradamach mórchlú seo. Deis a bhí ann le naisc a chruthú leis an phobal agus caidreamh straitéiseach a chruthú le bardais agus le gníomhaireachtaí eile in 2014 agus sna blianta atá le teacht.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Pontún an Fheabhail – Duaiseanna Gnó 2013 Tionscadal de chuid na Gníomhaireachta, Pontún an Fheabhail, a ghnóthaigh duais an tionscnaimh turasóireachta is fearr ag Duaiseanna Gnó Chumann Tráchtála Chathair Dhoire in 2013. Tá an duais seo ann le haitheantas a thabhairt do thionscnamh a mhéadaíonn líon na gcuairteoirí ar an chathair. Mhol na breithiúna an tionscadal mar áis a chuireann feabhas ar chúram cuairteoirí sa chathair, áis a dtiocfadh í a fhorbairt amach anseo. Léiriú eile atá sa duais ar thiomantas na Gníomhaireachta don turasóireacht agus d’fhorbairt fhéiniúlacht na cathrach agus an cheantair máguaird. Táthar ag súil an bua seo a chur chun sochair in 2014 agus sna blianta atá le teacht. Féile Bia Mara Flavours of the Foyle Bhí ról ceannasach ag Comhairle Cathrach Dhoire, i gcomhpháirt le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna agus NITB, san fhéile bia mara Flavours of the Foyle, a bhí ar cheann de bhuaicphointí na bliana ag lucht bia. Cuireadh taispeántais chócaireachta ar siúl i bpuball na féile agus d’fhéadfaí miasa bia mara a bhlaiseadh nó a cheannach ag na stallaí bia a bhí á bhfreastal ag cócairí agus ag lucht bialann an cheantair. Cuireadh siamsaíocht ar fáil do theaghlaigh fosta, idir an ‘Taste Adventure’ agus ‘Conair an Bhia Mara’ a chuimsigh 14 bhialann ó thaobh taobh na cathrach a raibh rogha de mhiasa éisc ar fáil iontu ar feadh na seachtaine. Meastar gur ghlac timpeall 18,000 duine páirt san fhéile 2 lá. Is léir, nuair a tharraing an ócáid aon uaire seo slua chomh mór sin, go dtiocfadh tuilleadh forbartha a dhéanamh uirthi amach anseo. Tá sé beartaithe imeacht bliantúil a dhéanamh den fhéile. Léiriú atá san imeacht rathúil seo ar an ról lárnach a bhíonn ag an Ghníomhaireacht maidir le tacaíocht a thabhairt do chur chun cinn bia mara áitiúil. Féile Oisrí Chairlinn I gcomhpháirt leis an lucht eagraithe áitiúil agus le Cumann Turasóireachta Chairlinn / Chuaille, thug an Chomhairle tacaíocht d’Fhéile Oisrí Chairlinn, a bhfuil atheagar déanta uirthi le tamall. Rinne Airí Rialtais an Fhéile a sheoladh go hoifigiúil le linn chruinniú earnála de chuid na Comh-aireachta Thuaidh/ Theas i mí na Bealtaine 2013. Imeacht ceithre lá a bhí ann a mheall na sluaite cuairteoirí go ceantar bhaile Chairlinn agus a tharraing aird daoine ar oisrí agus ar bhia mara an cheantair. Tá sé beartaithe ag an Ghníomhaireacht saothrú i gcomhar lena cuid comhpháirtithe leis an imeacht seo a chur chun cinn mar fhéile bhliantúil. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

An Ciste Forbartha Inbhuanaithe Uirlis éifeachtach atá sa Chiste Forbartha Inbhuanaithe (SDF) i dtaca le forbairt earnálacha na turasóireachta muirí agus na slatiascaireachta de i gceantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Is é an sprioc ná go mbeidh de chlú ar cheantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn gur áiteanna ar fheabhas iad le saoire a chaitheamh iontu agus aird a tharraingt ar na sárláithreacha slatiascaireachta iontu. Tosaíodh ar shraith 2013 den SDF i mí Feabhra agus fuarthas iarratais i ngeall ar 67 tionscadal. Tá tús curtha le Measúnú Iar-Thionscadail a chuirfear faoi bhráid na Ranna Coimircíochta. Cionn Mhálanna D’éirigh le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna, i gcomhpháirt le Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall, luach £208,400 de mhaoiniú INTERREG IVa a fháil leis an cheantar timpeall Chionn Mhálanna a fhorbairt ar mhaithe leo siúd a thugann cuairt ar an láthair. De bharr an tionscadail seo, rinneadh cosán a ghearradh amach agus cuireadh áiseanna eile ar fáil: cuasa scoite agus ardán féachana a bhfuil painéil léirmhíniúcháin agus teileascóip ann. Is féidir go mbeidh tuilleadh forbartha ann de bharr an tionscadail seo; is amhlaidh atá ceantar Mhálanna á chlúdach sa tionscadal ‘Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin’ atá le teacht amach anseo. Ionad Gníomhaíochta Thrá Bhun Abhann D’éirigh le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna, i gcomhpháirt le Comhairle Buirge Léim an Mhadaidh, luach £486,500 de mhaoiniú INTERREG IVa a fháil chun cur le háiseanna do chuairteoirí ag Bun Abhann. Rinneadh gradam Brat Gorm na hEorpa a bhronnadh ar thrá Bhun Abhann roinnt uaireanta cheana. De bharr an tionscadail seo, déanfar na leithris agus áiseanna feistis a athchóiriú, boscaí bruscair agus limistéar faoi fhoscadh a chur ar fáil. Déanfar clárchosán a leagan síos i measc na ndumhcha agus cuirfear roinnt áiteanna páirceála ar fáil de réir córas draenáil uirbeach inbhuanaithe. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an tionscadal seo réidh faoi choinne shéasúr an tsamhraidh 2015. Is gnáthóg dumhcha agus trá chosanta é seo agus cuirfear a lán áiseanna feabhsaithe ar fáil do chuairteoirí de bharr an tionscadail. Chomh maith leis sin, tá Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna i ndiaidh seilbh a ghlacadh ar dhá chathaoir rothaí uilethír-raoin a chuirfear ar fáil do chuairteoirí ar thrá Bhun Abhann.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Seol-rásaíocht Thug an Ghníomhaireacht cuidiú do Chumann Luamhaireachta Loch Feabhail le clár rásaíochta cúige a eagrú. Is ar an taobh theas de Loch Feabhail a ritheadh Craobhchomórtais Uladh GP14, comórtas seoltóireachta dhá lá a raibh 23 foireann ó áiteanna ar fud na hÉireann páirteach ann. Tionscnamh a bhí ann a léirigh cé chomh luachmhar is atá an Loch ó thaobh an áineasa de agus mar a d’fhéadfaí comórtais eile a mhealladh ann amach anseo.

10. Dobharshaothrú Agus Iascaigh Sliogéisc Tugadh 148 tonna d’oisrí i dtír le linn shéasúr iascaireachta 2012-2013, méadú ar an 114 tonna a tugadh i dtír an bhliain roimhe sin. Tugadh formhór na n-oisrí i dtír le linn na chéad 4 seachtaine den séasúr. Bhí méadú beag ar phraghsanna ar an mhargadh le linn 2012/13. Bhí praghsanna bulc-cheannaigh sa raon €4.50-€5.50 in aghaidh an chileagraim. B’ionann sin agus luach iomlán timpeall €740,000 faoi choinne an tséasúir. Cuireadh roinnt suirbhéanna i gcrích le linn 2013, lena n-áirítear suirbhéanna a rinneadh san earrach agus san fhómhar ar na hiascaigh oisrí agus ar shíol diúilicíní i Loch Feabhail agus i Loch Chairlinn. Níor aimsigh aon bheirtreach a bheadh oiriúnach i gcomhair saothrú tráchtála le linn na suirbhéanna sin. Rinneadh dul chun cinn ar dhá thionscadal MSc de chuid IBIS. Is taighde é seo ar an ghaol idir cluichreáin éin uisce agus saothrú an chladaigh. Tá béim faoi leith sa taighde ar an dobharshaothrú ar feadh an chladaigh. Bhain DARD, i gcomhar leis an Institiúid Agraibhia agus Eolaíochtaí Bitheacha (AFBI), leas as na sonraí a bailíodh le linn na suirbhéanna, agus le linn shuirbhé na bliana roimhe, maidir le measúnú ar iarratas i gcomhair forbairt dobharshaothraithe i Loch Chairlinn. Beidh an obair leanúnach agus an bailiú sonraí mar dhúshraith faoi pé forbairt a dhéanfar amach anseo. Chaith an MMV Ostrea breis agus 80 lá ar muir le linn 2013. Ní thiocfadh suirbhéanna bliantúla na Gníomhaireachta a chur i gcrích gan an soitheach seo. Bhí sí in úsáid fosta le linn chlár obair allamuigh mhic léinn IBIS agus le linn obair shamplála ar son na nGníomhaireachtaí Caighdeán Bia i dTuaisceart agus i bPoblacht Éireann. Cuireadh tús le séasúr iascaireachta na n-oisrí 2013/14 ar an 19 Meán Fómhair. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Bronnadh ceadúnas ar 49 iascaire. Bhí toradh dearfach ar an obair, agus méadú beag ar líon na n-oisrí a tugadh i dtír i gcomparáid leis an tréimhse chéanna sa séasúr roimhe. Coimisiúnaíodh réamh-mheasúnú maidir le Ceadúnú MSC d’Iascach Oisrí Dúchais Loch Feabhail. D’éirigh leis an iascach sa chéim réamh-mheasúnaithe agus táthar ag súil gurb é an toradh a bheidh ar an phróiseas ná ceadúnú a dheimhníonn inbhuanaitheacht an iascaigh ar bhonn uilíoch, bunaithe ar chórais bhainistíochta agus rialúcháin arna chur i ngníomh ag Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Tá tús curtha ag an Ghníomhaireacht, i gcomhar leis an AFBI, leis an obair allamuigh a theastaíonn i gcomhair samhail acmhainn iompair do Loch Feabhail. Is tionscadal dhá bhliain é seo a leanfaidh ar aghaidh in 2014 agus a chuirfidh faisnéis bhainistíochta shuntasach ar fáil a chuideoidh leis an Ghníomhaireacht cinntí láneolacha a dhéanamh maidir le forbairt an dobharshaothraithe agus iascaigh oisrí dúchais ar Loch Feabhail. 11. Corparáideach Lean an Ghníomhaireacht de bheith ag comhlíonadh a freagrachtaí Rialú Corparáideach. A fhianaise sin na cruinnithe rialta den Fho-Choiste Iniúchóireachta. Baineadh amach na spriocanna go léir maidir le Bainistiú Riosca, Comhionannas agus Éifeachtúlacht chomh maith. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht tiomanta do dheiseanna oiliúna agus foghlama a sholáthar don fhoireann uilig agus féachaint chuige go ndéantar sin ar bhealach a chomhlíonann riachtanais na heagraíochta agus a chuidíonn le baill foirne a bheith níos éifeachtaí ina róil oibre féin. Bhí cruinnithe rialta Bainistiú Riosca ag an Ghníomhaireacht agus rinneadh Clár Rioscaí a fhorbairt de réir threoir na Roinne. Tá dhá réimse Ardriosca fágtha ar an Chlár Rioscaí Corparáideacha, an t-athbhreithniú atá fós le déanamh ar an Mheamram Airgeadais agus a laghad dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le forbairt an Chomhaontaithe Bainistíochta do Loch Feabhail. Rinne an Ghníomhaireacht, ar bhonn rialta, monatóireacht ar a caiteachas i bhfianaise buiséid fhaofa agus rinne pé neamhréir a bheadh ann a thuairisciú do na Ranna Coimircíochta.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Thug Iniúchóirí Inmheánacha DARD agus an DCENR rátáil ‘Iniúchadh Sásúil’ don Ghníomhaireacht. Síníodh na Ráitis Airgeadais i mí Iúil 2014. Tugadh isteach córas Scórchárta Ualaithe, rud a chuidigh linn Plean Gnó na Gníomhaireachta don bhliain 2013 a chur ar fáil go héifeachtúil agus go héifeachtach. Déanfar tuilleadh forbartha air in 2014. Leanadh de chur i bhfeidhm na Cairte do Chustaiméirí, agus rinneadh gach gné dár gcuid seirbhísí a chur ar bhonn foirmiúil, rud a léiríonn cé chomh tiomanta is atá an Ghníomhaireacht maidir le seirbhís ardchaighdeáin a sholáthar. 12. Caomhnú agus Cosaint Thug Foireann Chaomhnaithe agus Chosanta Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna an bua leo i roinnt cásanna tábhachtacha i gcúirteanna sa dá dhlínse. D’éirigh leis an Ghníomhaireacht i gcaingne a tugadh i gcoinne slatiascairí, póitseálaithe bradán, iascairí tráchtála oisrí agus truaillitheoirí uisce. Fuair an Ghníomhaireacht níos mó tacaíochta ná riamh ó Sheirbhís Póilíneachta Thuaisceart Éireann agus ón Gharda Síochána. Bhíomar buíoch as an tacaíocht sin i bhfianaise na gcontúirtí a bhaineann le gnéithe den obair a dhéanann an fhoireann. Is mian leis an Ghníomhaireacht buíochas a chur in iúl dóibh siúd go léir a chuidigh linn. Le linn 2013 (Eanáir go Meán Fómhair) rinne baill foirne de chuid na Gníomhaireachta na rudaí seo a leanas a ghabháil: 131 eangach mhídhleathach, 47 slat iascaireachta, 3 bhád, 205 iasc, 35 mála oisrí agus carr amháin. Dhéileáil baill foirne le 52 teagmhas truaillithe. Ina measc sin bhí slad amháin ar éisc fhiáine. Bailíodh 5 thacar samplaí reachtúla. Ní beag an dul chun cinn é sin nuair a chuimhnítear ar an srianadh atá tagtha ar acmhainní obair allamuigh. Tá cobhsaíocht le sonrú ar an líon bradán sna príomhaibhneacha. Baineadh spriocanna bainistíochta amach ar Abhainn na Fochaine agus ar Abhainn na Ró. Tá méadú incriminteach timpeall 15% tagtha ar líon na mbradán in Abhainn na Finne agus in Abhainn na Moirne i gcomparáid leis na figiúirí ísle a taifeadadh in 2010 agus in 2011. Tá sé beartaithe ag Stiúrthóireacht Chaomhnaithe agus Chosanta Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna an clár reatha a choinneáil agus saothrú i Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

dtreo na hinbhuanaitheachta sna hiascaigh intíre. Tá sé beartaithe ag an Ghníomhaireacht, de réir na n-acmhainní a bheidh le fáil chuige, cláir a fhorbairt a dhéanfaidh cúiteamh ar an laghdú atá tagtha ar stoc na n-eascann Eorpach agus féachaint chuige go mbeidh ról ceannasach eolaíochta againn maidir le soláthar cláir mhuirí agus idirthaoideacha a eascraíonn as Treoracha AE.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Aguisín 1 – Torthaí in Aghaidh Spriocanna Tosaíochtaí, Cuspóirí & Spriocanna Faoi Choinne 2013 TOSAÍOCHT: CAOMHNÚ agus COSAINT CUSPÓIR 1

Iascaigh Cheantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn a chaomhnú, a chosaint, a bhainistiú agus a fheabhsú.

CROÍ-GHNÍOMHAÍOCHT 1.1

Cur in iúl

1.2

Bainistiú

1.3

Coinneáil

SPRIOC FEIDHMÍOCHTA 1.1.1

Stádas Fionnuisce - Tuairiscí foilsithe gach dhá bhliain.

Gníomhaíocht: Pointí Stádas: Bainte amach. Iniúchta, suirbhéanna gnáthóg, leictriascaireacht, srl. le cur i gcrích faoi Dheireadh Fómhair gach bliain agus comhairliúchán a dhéanamh lenár bpáirtithe leasmhara laistigh de dhá mhí i ndiaidh iad a chur i gcrích. 1.1.2

Innéacsanna Stoic –Taighde a thionscnamh chun innéacsanna stoic a fhorbairt i leith gach fo-dhobharcheantair faoi Eanáir gach bliana den phlean.

Gníomhaíocht: Forbróimid Stádas: Tá tuairisc amháin IBIS curtha i gcrích innéacs a úsáideann ag leibhéal MA agus leanfar den taighde ar suirbhéanna ar líon sil-leagan chlár PhD atá idir lámha. eochraí agus ar chineálacha gnáthóige leis an stádas caomhnaithe a dheimhniú.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

1.1.3

Tuairiscí Stádais Uisce Ciúin - Tuairiscí le foilsiú uair gach dhá bhliain. Gníomhaíocht: Baileoimid Stádas: Rinneadh suirbhéireacht ar Chanáil na sonraí atá de dhíth le an Iúir i nDeireadh Fómhair 2013 agus cuirfear Tuairiscí Stádais ar 2 loch na torthaí i scríbhinn faoi dheireadh Mhárta fionnuisce, nó ar limistéir 2014. uisce ciúin eile, a chur le chéile agus a fhoilsiú faoi mhí Nollag gach bliain agus rachaimid i gcomhairle lenár bpáirtithe leasmhara laistigh de 2 mhí i ndiaidh iad a chur i gcrích. 1.2.1

Rialachán – Soláthróimid rialú cuí d’fhonn oibleagáidí Reachtúla a sholáthar.

Gníomhaíocht: Éifeachtúlacht Rialachán a athbhreithniú faoi dheireadh Eanáir gach bliain agus dréachtleasuithe, cúlghairm nó rialacháin nua a chur ar fáil faoi dheireadh mhí an Mheithimh gach bliain. 1.2.2

Teicneolaíochtaí GIS a fhorbairt & a fheabhsú le tacaíocht GIS a chur ar fáil sna stiúrthóireachtaí uilig.

Gníomhaíocht: Measúnú ar chrua-earraí agus ar bhogearraí GIS, lena n-áirítear aonaid GPS, amharcóirí mapála gréasáin & Bogearraí GIS faoi mhí na Nollag gach bliain.

Stádas: Tá an t-athbhreithniú rialúcháin curtha i gcrích agus seolta go dtí na Ranna Coimircíochta. Tá tosaíocht á tabhairt don Sceideal reachtaíocht thánaisteach.

Stádas: Gach uasdátú agus uasghrádú déanta ar aonaid GIS agus GPS. Rinneadh teicneolaíocht nua táibléad stóinsithe a thriail i nDeireadh Fómhair 2013 agus, ag eascairt as sin, tá athbhreithniú á dhéanamh ar bhainistiú/ nascáil sonraí le GIS.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 1.2.3

2013

Acmhainn a sholáthar, sna stiúrthóireachtaí uilig, i gcomhair sonraí allamuigh a taifeadadh le linn suirbhéanna de chuid Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna.

Gníomhaíocht: Measúnú, Stádas: Gach aonad sna stiúrthóireachtaí uilig faoi mhí na Nollag gach amuigh faoi láthair. Obair ar siúl de réir sprice. bliain, ar an mhapáil chuí agus ar ullmhú an aonaid GPS i gcomhair gach suirbhé. 1.2.4

Athchóiriú - Rachaimid i mbun 2 thionscadal athchóiriúcháin ar a laghad a fhorbairt faoi dheireadh mhí na Nollag gach bliain.

Gníomhaíocht: Déanfaimid Stádas: Curtha i gcrích. ar a laghad dhá thionscadal athchóiriúcháin a dhearadh agus a chur i gcrích faoi mhí na Nollag gach bliain. Déanfar é sin le comhaontú bruachúinéirí agus páirtithe a bhfuil leas sna hiascaigh acu. 1.2.5

Forfheidhmiú –Leanfaimid de dhualgais forfheidhmiúcháin a chur i bhfeidhm ar aon dul le polasaí foilsithe prionsabail le dea-rialachais gach uile bhliain.

Gníomhaíocht: De thoradh Stádas: Iad uilig de réir sprice. ar ghníomhaíochtaí forfheidhmiúcháin i gcaitheamh na bliana, cuirfear comhaid ionchúisimh ar fáil do dhlíodóirí na Gníomhaireachta taobh istigh de chúig mhí i ndiaidh pé teagmhas a bheadh ann.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

1.2.6

Eachtraí truaillithe agus Gairbhéal a thógáil gan cheadúnas.

Gníomhaíocht: Is mar seo a ghníomhóimid: I gcás Ard-déine, laistigh de 4 uair an chloig i ndiaidh tuairisc a fháil; I gcás Meándéine, laistigh de 12 uair an chloig i ndiaidh tuairisc a fháil; agus, i gcás Ísealdéine, laistigh de 24 uair an chloig i ndiaidh tuairisc a fháil. 1.2.7

Iascaireacht mhídhleathach.

Gníomhóimid laistigh de 4 uair an chloig i ndiaidh tuairisc a fháil. 1.3.1

Na háiritheoirí uilig ag feidhmiú ach amháin ar an Charraig, nach bhfuil ina eochairstáisiún. Tá Gníomhaireacht Comhshaoil Shasana le hathbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an chlár.

Breac Donn, Breac Geal agus iasc garbh - cinnteoimid go mbeidh tuilleadh sonraí bonnlíne ann faoi mhí na Nollag gach bliain.

Gníomhaíocht: Cuirfimid sonraí á mbailiú ar leibhéal líon na mbreac donn agus na n-iasc garbh agus na speiceas sin a bhfuil tábhacht Chaomhnaithe ag baint leo ar 2 láthair faoi mhí na Nollag gach bliain.

Iad uilig de réir sprice.

Bradáin – tuairisciú ar chomhlíonadh spriocanna bainistíochta i leith an dá chóras abhann faoi mhí na Nollag gach bliain.

Gníomhaíocht: Coinneoimid an líon cuí áiritheoirí agus coinneoimid sonraí gabhála go cruinn lena chinntiú go dtaifeadfar líon na mbradán. 1.3.2

Stádas: Iad uilig de réir sprice.

Cuireadh suirbhé Loch Finne i gcrích in 2013 agus rinneadh rianú acústach ar mhoirfeanna breac donn agus ar eascanna. Cuireadh suirbhé ar Chanáil an Iúir i gcrích i nDeireadh Fómhair 2013 agus scríobhfar an tuairisc faoi dheireadh mhí an Mhárta 2014.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 1.3.3

2013

Breac Geal – Beidh measúnaithe curtha i gcrích againn faoi Dheireadh Fómhair gach bliain.

Gníomhaíocht: Leanfaimid de Déanfar iascaireacht i láthair innéacs i nDeireadh Fómhair agus baileoidh mic léinn mhodheolaíochtaí a fhiosrú IBIS sonraí bonnlíne ar ghéinitic an bhric. faoi choinne monatóireacht agus measúnú beacht a dhéanamh ar stoic breac geal faoi mhí na Nollag gach bliain. 1.3.4

Liús – Tionscnóimid measúnuithe stoic faoi Mhí na Nollag gach bliain.

Gníomhaíocht: Tionscnóimid measúnuithe stoic ar Chanáil an Iúir le linn thréimhse an phlean reatha. 1.3.5

Déanfar na sonraí fionnuisce agus muirí uilig a thiomsú agus a phróiseáil ar GIS le go mbeidh siad in oiriúint i gcomhair a dtuairiscithe laistigh de 2 mhí i ndiaidh iad a fháil.

Gníomhaíocht: Leanfaimid orainn ag bailiú agus ag próiseáil sonraí ar bhonn tráthúil. 1.3.6

Rinneadh é seo a nascadh leis an suirbhé ar Chanáil an Iúir.

De réir sprice.

Na hamharcóirí gréasáin GIS a uasdátú faoi mhí na Nollag gach bliain.

Gníomhaíocht: Baileoimid na sonraí atá riachtanach leis na hamharcóirí a luchtú gach bliain.

De réir sprice.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

1.3.7

Oibleagáidí monatóireachta WFD agus Gnáthóg a chomhlíonadh agus cuidiú le treoracha is rialacháin chuí a réiteach.

Gníomhaíocht: Déanfaimid measúnaithe lena chinntiú go gcomhlíonfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht a cuid oibleagáidí. 1.3.8

Tuairisciú maidir le ceimic uisce i 80% de na 92 láthair shonraithe in aghaidh na míosa faoi Mheitheamh agus faoi Mheán Fómhair gach bliain.

Gníomhaíocht: Leanfar den tsampláil ar 92 láthair shonraithe gach bliain. 1.3.9

Curtha i gcrích.

Tuairisciú ar 80% de na 92 láthair mhaicrinveirteabrach atá sonraithe le linn na tréimhse ó Aibreán go Meán Fómhair gach bliain.

Gníomhaíocht: Leanfar den tsampláil ar na 92 láthair shonraithe gach bliain. 1.3.10

Oibleagáidí INSPIRE curtha i gcrích de réir sprice. Spriocanna WFD agus Gnáthóg bainte amach.

100% iomlán.

Freagróimid gach comhairliúchán agus gach iarratas pleanála taobh istigh de 15 lá oibre. Freagróimid comhairliúcháin eile taobh istigh de thréimhsí ama comhaontaithe.

Gníomhaíocht: Leanfaimid Stádas: Le huasdátú ón bhunachar sonraí. orainn den mheasúnú ar gach comhairliúchán. 1.3.11

Tuairisciú ar stádas an chaighdeáin uisce in aibhneacha faoi mhí na Nollag gach bliain.

Gníomhaíocht: Leanfar den tsampláil ar 92 láthair agus coinneofar na Córais Mhonatóireachta Chomhshaoil ag cuid de na heochair-láithreáin.

Stádas: Curtha i gcrích.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

TOSAÍOCHT: DOBHARSHAOTHRÚ AGUS IASCAIGH SLIOGÉISC CUSPÓIR 2

Dobharshaothrú a Cheadúnú agus a Fhorbairt.

CROÍ-GHNÍOMHAÍOCHT 2.1

Cur in iúl

2.2

Bainistiú

2.3

Coinneáil

SPRIOC FEIDHMÍOCHTA 2.1.1

Stádas Lochanna Mara Tuairiscí le foilsiú go bliantúil faoi mhí Iúil na bliana dár gcionn.

Gníomhaíocht: Chomh maith le tacair sonraí reatha, déanfaimid gach oibríocht dhobharshaothraithe atá ceadúnaithe a luacháil go bliantúil. Déanfar iniúchadh ar 10% díobh sin agus déanfaimid comhairliúchán lenár bpáirtithe leasmhara laistigh de 2 mhí i ndiaidh sin a chur i gcrích. 2.1.2

Samhlacha Acmhainn Iompair – forbairt an dá Loch Mara a thabhairt chun cinn i gcaitheamh na bliana.

Gníomhaíocht: Soláthróimid samhail oibríochta do Loch Feabhail faoi mhí na Nollag 2013. 2.1.3

Stádas: Curtha i gcrích.

Stádas: Tús curtha leis an obair allamuigh i gcomhair Samhail Acmhainn Iompair. SLA sínithe i gcomhar leis an AFBI.

Dul i gComhairle leis an Bhord, leis an Fhóram Chomhairleach agus le Páirtithe Leasmhara.

Gníomhaíocht: 12 chruinniú comhairliúcháin ar a laghad a eagrú faoi mhí na Nollag 2013.

Stádas: Curtha i gcrích.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

2.2.1

Ceadúnú – bunóimid agus feidhmeoimid ceadúnú an dobharshaothraithe i Loch Feabhail agus athbhreithneoimid oibríocht an dobharshaothraithe i Loch Chairlinn faoi mhí na Nollag 2013.

Gníomhaíocht: Próiseálfaimid gach iarratas ar cheadúnas laistigh de 6 mhí ón am a bhfaighfear iad agus déanfar breithmheas bliantúil ar gach ceadúnas.

2.3.1

Stádas: Níor baineadh amach - Tá an Ghníomhaireacht ag obair i gcomhar leis na Ranna Coimircíochta le forbairt an Chomhaontaithe Bhainistíochta a éascú chun an cheist seo a thabhairt chun cinn. Táthar ag súil leis an Chomhaontú Bainistíochta a thabhairt chun cinn faoi mhí na Nollag 2014.

Tuairisc Táirgeachta – foilseoimid sonraí bonnlíne ilchineálach faoi tháirgeadh gach speiceas dobharshaothraithe agus iascach sliogéisc agus measfaidh inbhuanaitheacht na hearnála faoi mhí Aibreáin 2013.

Gníomhaíocht: Stádas: Ag fanacht go gcuirfear an Cinnteoimid go bhfuiltear comhaontú bainistíochta i gcrích agus go ag cloí le coinníollacha n-achtófar an reachtaíocht thánaisteach tuairisceoireachta agus maidir le ceadúnú dobharshaothraithe. oibríochta i gcás gach ceadúnas dobharshaothraithe agus iascach sliogéisc agus déanfar iniúchadh ar 10% de na torthaí úd. Déanfaimid ar a laghad 1 chigireacht sa bhliain ar shuíomhanna ceadúnaithe. 2.3.2

Ceadúnú MSC don iascach Oisrí Dúchais i Loch Feabhail.

Gníomhaíocht: Cuirfimid Stádas: Réamh-mheasúnú curtha i gcrích. beart scóipe ar bun féachaint an féidir ceadúnú MSC a fháil faoi choinne iascach oisrí Loch Feabhail in 2013.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2.3.3

Clár athchóiriúcháin/feabhsúcháin d’iascach Oisrí Dúchais Loch Feabhail a fhorbairt faoi mhí na Nollag 2013.

Gníomhaíocht: Limistéir atá fóirsteanach d’athchóiriú / feabhsú a aithint agus tús a chur leis an obair gach áit is féidir.

2.3.4

Stádas: Páirt-Bhainte amach - Limistéir sainaitheanta ach níl maoiniú ar fáil ó bhuiséad acmhainní na Gníomhaireachta leis an chlár seo a sholáthar. Táthar ag dúil go mbeidh maoiniú ar fáil trí thionscadal IBIS le limistéir laistigh den iascach oisrí dúchais a fheabhsú le go ndéanfar staidéar orthu le linn tionscadal IBIS.

Tionchar comhshaoil.

Gníomhaíocht: Ar aon dul le Plean Corparáideach 2011-13 (Rannáin 3 agus 4), leanfaimid de na paraiméadair timpeallachta a mhonatóiriú le linn 2013 lena mheas cé acu atá siad “oiriúnach don fheidhm” nó nach bhfuil agus iad a choigeartú dá réir. I measc na ngníomhaíochtaí atá le déanamh tá suirbhéanna ar speicis ionracha agus ar éin. Déanfar gach gníomhaíocht a chur i gcrích agus a mheas faoi mhí na Nollag 2013. 2.3.5

2013

Stádas: Rinneadh measúnú ar mhodheolaíochtaí in 2013.

Córais Mhonatóireachta Chomhsaoil

Gníomhaíocht: Coinneoimid córais mhonatóireachta chomhshaoil ar Loch Feabhail agus ar Loch Chairlinn agus cuirfidh tuairiscí teiliméadrachta ar fáil gach ráithe. Cuirfear na ceangaltais sin i gcrích laistigh dár n-acmhainní reatha.

Stádas: Tá tuairiscí bliantúla teiliméadrachta ar fáil agus tá tuairiscí ráithiúla á bhforbairt faoi choinne 2014.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

TOSAÍOCHT: FORBAIRT CUSPÓIR 3

Turasóireacht Mhuirí agus Slatiascaireacht a Fhorbairt.

CROÍ-GHNÍOMHAÍOCHT 3.1

Cur in iúl

3.2

Bainistiú

3.3

Coinneáil

SPRIOC FEIDHMÍOCHTA 3.1.1

Tuairiscí Stádais ar Thurasóireacht Mhuirí agus an tSlatiascaireacht le foilsiú faoi mhí na Nollag 2013.

Gníomhaíocht: Déanfaimid measúnú ar an bhonneagar atá ar fáil agus mar a úsáideann pobal na háite, cuairteoirí agus turasóirí é. 3.1.2

Stádas: Curtha i gcrích. Tá tuairiscí stádais curtha ar fáil ar an Turasóireacht Mhuirí agus ar an tSlatiascaireacht. Chomh maith leis sin, tá tuairisc stádais curtha i gcrích mar gheall ar Riverwatch agus gníomhaíochtaí for-rochtana.

Deiseanna a Aithint faoi Iúil 2013.

Gníomhaíocht: An Stádas: Curtha i gcrích. Seo a leanas roinnt bonneagar reatha a tionscadail shamplacha:athbhreithniú in aghaidh Rinneadh roinnt tograí bunmhaoinithe i samhail “ionad barr feabhais” gcomhair tionscadail bheaga nó meánmhéide nó samhail bhraisle, bearnaí a a fhorbairt agus a chur i gcrích. aithint agus an t-eolas seo a fhoilsiú / roinnt. I measc na dtionscadal sin tá: - rochtain ar thrá (clárchosán inbhuanaithe trasna dumhcha, áiteanna trasnaithe ar bhóithre isteach go dtí tránna, rochtain cathaoireacha rothaí; éiceathurasóireacht mhuirí (cearbháin, éin); ardán faoi choinne imeachtaí muirí (pontúin); siúláin Ghlasa agus conair rothar ar feadh an chladaigh; agus scoil seoltóireachta.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 3.1.3

2013

Cur chun cinn na Turasóireachta Muirí agus na Slatiascaireachta i gceantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

Stádas: Curtha i gcrích. Bhí líon na Gníomhaíocht: 12 d’imeachtaí poiblíochta n-imeachtaí Turasóireacht Mhuirí, a reáchtáil faoi mhí na Slatiascaireachta agus Riverwatch i bhfad Nollag 2013, ag díriú ar an níos airde ná na spriocanna a leagadh Turasóireacht Mhuirí agus ar síos agus d’oibrigh an Ghníomhaireacht i an tSlatiascaireacht agus sin gcomhpháirt le heagraíochtaí reachtúla, le a dhéanamh i gcomhpháirt heagraíochtaí san earnáil phríobháideach le Gníomhaireachtaí agus san earnáil dheonach agus le forais “trasghearrtha” oiread agus is rialaithe. féidir. 3.1.4

Comhairliúchán leis an Bhord, leis an Fhóram Chomhairleach, le Fócasghrúpaí agus Páirtithe Leasmhara

Gníomhaíocht: 12 chruinniú comhairliúcháin ar a laghad a eagrú faoi mhí na Nollag 2013.

3.1.5

Stádas: Curtha i gcrích. I gcaitheamh 2013, chas an fhoireann forbartha le comhpháirtithe reachtúla, le forais rialaithe, le páirtithe leasmhara lárnacha agus le grúpaí úsáideoirí i réimsí na Turasóireachta Muirí, fhorbairt na Slatiascaireachta agus Riverwatch agus gníomhaíochtaí oideachasúla.

Foinsí Maoinithe a Aithint.

Gníomhaíocht: Deiseanna Stádas: Curtha i gcrích. eile maoinithe a aithint agus 3 Chuathas i mbun roinnt tionscnamh in iarratas a chomhordú faoi mhí 2013. D’oibrigh an Fhoireann Forbartha na Nollag 2013, más féidir. i gcomhpháirt le heochair-thionscadail a fhorbairt agus a chur i gcrích. Fuarthas tuilleadh tacaíocht mhaoinithe ó bheith ag obair i gcomhpháirt le Comhairle Cathrach Dhoire, the Food Programme, Tionscnamh Turasóireachta Chairlinn / Chuaille, Port an Fheabhail , Údarás Chuan an Phointe, Comhairle Contae Lú agus roinnt clubanna áitiúla slatiascaireachta.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

3.2.1

Úsáid a bhaint as an Mhaoiniú INTERREG atá ar fáil.

Gníomhaíocht: Dul chun cinn Stádas: Curtha i gcrích. a dhéanamh maidir le “litir Tá cairt a léiríonn dul chun cinn curtha ar fáil i thairisceana” do thionscadail gcomhair gnéithe éagsúla den chlár – tá cóip turasóireachta a chur ar fáil leis seo. faoi mhí na Nollag 2013 – lena n-áirítear 5 thionscadal Seoladh tionscadail i gCionn Mhálanna agus i a sholáthar. mBun Abhann. 3.2.2

An Ciste Forbartha Inbhuanaithe a fheidhmiú.

Gníomhaíocht: Suas le 13 thionscadal Turasóireacht Mhuirí agus Slatiascaireachta a sholáthar trí ghnásanna cothroma, trédhearcacha agus iniúchta faoi mhí na Nollag 2013. 3.2.3

Maoiniú Malartach a Sholáthar.

Gníomhaíocht: “Litreacha tairisceana” i leith maoiniú malartach a fuarthas a sheachadadh faoi mhí na Nollag 2013. 3.2.4

Stádas: Curtha i gcrích. Tá tús curtha le gach ceann de na tionscadail mhaoinithe agus táthar ag súil le hiad a chur i gcrích taobh istigh de na tréimhsí ama a comhaontaíodh.

Monatóireacht agus tuairisceoireacht ar acmhainní agus ar úsáid na Turasóireachta Muirí agus na Slatiascaireachta.

Gníomhaíocht: Na hacmhainní reatha a choinneáil agus, nuair is féidir, fáil ar acmhainní Turasóireacht Mhuirí agus Slatiascaireachta a fheabhsú faoi mhí na Nollag 2013.

Stádas: Curtha i gcrích. Seoladh clár SDF 2013 i bhFeabhra 2013. Tá litreacha tairisceana seolta amach chuig roinnt tionscadail chúltaca – 32 a líon iomlán.

Stádas: Bainte amach - Riachtanais trealamh monatóireachta á scóipeáil le líon cuairteoirí a mheas. Táthar ag dúil go dtabharfar moltaí chun cinn in 2013. Tá baill foirne ag úsáid threalamh GIS le suirbhé a dhéanamh ar acmhainní Turasóireacht Mhuirí agus Slatiascaireachta cheantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 3.2.5

2013

Féachaint chuige go mbeidh candam giarála ag páirtithe leasmhara sa Turasóireacht Mhuirí agus Slatiascaireacht.

Gníomhaíocht: Infheistíochtaí a bhunú a dhéantar mar gheall ar giaráil chaipitiúil arna chruthú ag cúnamh deontais (INTERREG, SDF nó eile faoi mhí na Nollag 2013.

Stádas: Curtha i gcrích. Is ionann maoiniú faoin chlár Interreg IVA agus lánmhaoiniú ar leibhéal 100%. Déanann na comhpháirtithe sa chlár Interreg infheistíocht shuntasach chomhchineáil agus i dtionscadail eile ar nós SDF agus tionscadail bhunmhaoinithe eile. Faightear íosmhéid 25% de mhaoiniú meaitseála i gcás thionscadail SDF.

3.26

Cur le tuiscint an phobail i dtaobh acmhainní cheantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

Stádas: Bhí os cionn 19,220 cuairteoir ann ó Gníomhaíocht: Forbairt a Ean go Nollaig 2013. dhéanamh ar Riverwatch agus ar chláir for-rochtana I gcaitheamh 2013. An líon cuairteoirí/rannpháirtithe a bhí ann in 2012 a bhaint amach arís.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

TOSAÍOCHT: CORPARÁIDEACH CUSPÓIR 4

Ár sainordú reachtúil agus ár gcuid freagrachtaí reachtúla a chur i gcrích go héifeachtúil agus go héifeachtach

CROÍ-GHNÍOMHAÍOCHT 4.1

Cur in iúl

4.2

Bainistiú

4.3

Coinneáil

SPRIOC FEIDHMÍOCHTA 4.1.1

Tuairiscí agus Ráitis Airgeadais Bhliantúla a Fhoilsiú.

Gníomhaíocht: Tuairiscí agus Ráitis Airgeadais Bhliantúla a réiteach mar is gá de réir ceanglais agus spriocdhátaí reachtúla.

4.1.2

Polasaithe Foirne agus Gníomhaireachta a athbhreithniú.

Gníomhaíocht: Athbhreithniú Polasaithe Foirne agus Gníomhaireachta a chur i gcrích, iad a fhormhuiniú, iad a fhoilsiú ar an inlíon agus iad a chur i bhfeidhm faoi Mheán Fómhair 2013. 4.1.3

Stádas: Athbhreithniú ar na polasaithe Acmhainní Daonna go léir ar siúl i gcomhairle leis na Ceardchumainn – amanna socraithe faoi choinne cruinnithe i gcaitheamh na bliana.

Seirbhís do Chustaiméirí a Fheabhsú.

Gníomhaíocht: Cairt na gCustaiméirí a athbhreithniú agus a fhoilsiú ar an suíomh gréasáin faoi mhí na Nollag 2013.

Stádas: De réir sprice – tá clár ama comhaontaithe don Iniúchadh agus d'fhaomhadh Oifig Iniúchóireachta Thuaisceart Éireann. Cuireadh Dréacht-Ráitis Airgeadais 2012 faoi bhráid na hOifige ar an 29 Márta 2013. Rinneadh na cuntais agus an tuarascáil bhliantúil a fhaomhadh ag an NSMC le linn cruinniú earnála ar an 23 Deireadh Fómhair. Táthar ag súil go bhfaighfear an faomhadh deiridh ar na Cuntais go luath in 2014.

Stádas: Curtha i gcrích.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 4.2.1

Acmhainní a bhainistiú laistigh de na buiséid bhliantúla chomhaontaithe

Gníomhaíocht: Acmhainní a bhainistiú le hinfhaighteacht a chinntiú i leith riachtanais ghnó agus éifeachtúlacht soláthair a léiriú trí thomhas costasbhunaithe. 4.2.2

Stádas: Tá gach caiteachas de réir sprice agus ar aon dul le plean éifeachtúlachta na Gníomhaireacht. Déantar tuairisciú ar pé neamhréir a bheadh ann in aghaidh na míosa.

Feidhmíocht na Gníomhaireachta a thomhas agus a bhainistiú.

Gníomhaíocht: Tuilleadh forbartha a dhéanamh ar thomhas agus ar bhainistíocht feidhmíochta trí úsáid uirlisí cuí monatóireachta faoi Aibreán 2013. 4.2.3

2013

Stádas: Rinneadh uirlisí bainistíochta feidhmíochta a fhorbairt agus cuireadh an oiliúint i gcrích i Márta 2013. Tá tús curtha leis an phróiseas meastóireachta. Tá gach athbhreithniú 6 mhí curtha i gcrích.

Foireann agus páirtithe tacaíochta (mar shampla, Fairtheoirí Abhann Príobháideacha) a oiliúint agus a fhorbairt.

Gníomhaíocht: Leanfaimid den infheistiú i bhforbairt ár bhfoirne trí sholáthar ár bpolasaí oiliúna agus forbartha agus pleananna pearsanta forbartha a thabhairt chun cinn le linn 2013.

Stádas: Ar lean – tá córas measúnaithe feidhmíochta i bhfeidhm le riachtanais oiliúna baill foirne aonair a aithint agus pleananna forbairt phearsanta a réiteach. Cuireadh athbhreithnithe 6 mhí i gcrích agus aithníodh riachtanais oiliúna.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

4.3.1

Cumarsáid a Fheabhsú.

Gníomhaíocht: Leanfaimid de chumarsáid éifeachtach a fhorbairt lenár bpáirtithe leasmhara trínár suíomh gréasáin, gníomhaíochtaí for-rochtana agus Cairt Chustaiméirí agus iad a athbhreithniú faoi dhó in 2013. 4.3.2

Dea-rialachas Corparáideach a choinneáil.

Gníomhaíocht: Comhlíonfaimid ár n-oibleagáidí i leith réiteach cáipéisí rialachas corparáideach agus ráitis airgeadais gan choinníoll agus tuairiscí sásúla iniúchóireachta a bhaint amach laistigh d’amscálaí comhaontaithe.

Stádas: An suíomh gréasáin á fhorbairt ar bhonn leanúnach, sa tslí is go bhfuil naisc ann le tionscadal IBIS. Tá sé in am tairiscintí a lorg i gcomhair cothabháil agus forbairt gréasáin agus tá an sonrúchán á dhréachtú i gcomhar leis an CPD. Tionscadail thrialacha ar siúl sna meáin shóisialta/Facebook (Leathanaigh Facebook ag an Loughs Agency agus Following the Foyle).

Stádas: De réir sprice – cuireadh oiliúint an Fho-Choiste Iniúchóireachta i gcrích ar an 25 Eanáir 2013. Tá iniúchadh inmheánach agus iniúchadh seachtrach ar siúl faoi láthair agus déanfar moltaí a thuairisciú don Bhord agus don Fho-Choiste Iniúchóireachta.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Foyle, Carlingford And Irish Lights Commission Loughs Agency Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December

2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts Contents Foreword

2013 65

Brief History

Statutory Background

Result for the Year

Changes in Fixed Assets

Research and Development

Post Balance Sheet Events

Charitable Donations

Performance Targets

Principal Activities

Board Members

Board Members’ Responsibilities

Employment Objectives

Equal Opportunities

Payment to Suppliers

Health and Safety

Freedom of Information Data Protection Act 1998

Environmental Regulations

Future Developments

Audit

Accounting Officer

Statement of Accountable Person’s Responsibilities

Statement on Internal Control

The Certificate of the Comptrollers and Auditors General to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas

Income and Expenditure Account

Statement of Total Recognised Gains & Losses

Balance Sheet

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Cash Flow Statement

Notes to the Accounts

Accounting Policies

Superannuation Scheme

Revenue and Capital Grants from sponsoring departments

Other Revenue Grants

Ordinary Income

Staff Costs and Board Remuneration

Programme expenses

Administrative Expenses

100

Interest Payable

101

10.

Tangible Fixed Assets

102

11.

Debtors and Prepayments

103

12.

Creditors and Accruals

103

13.

Capital Grants

104

14.

Superannuation Scheme

105

15.

General Reserve

109

16.

Revaluation Reserve

109

17.

Notes to the Cashflow Statement

110

18.

Commitments

111

19.

Contingent Liabilities

113

20.

Post Balance Sheet Events

113

21.

Operating Lease

114

22.

Related Party Transactions

114

23.

Losses and Special Payments

115

24.

Financial Instruments

115

Appendix 1- Account Direction

116

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Foreword The Board presents the financial accounts for the year ended 31 December 2013. Brief History The Foyle Fisheries Commission was established in 1952 under legislation enacted in both jurisdictions with the primary objective of the conservation of the Foyle waterway system. Following the Good Friday Agreement, the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC) was created to continue the work done by the Foyle Fisheries Commission and to achieve similar objectives in Carlingford Lough and its waterways. The FCILC became operational on 2 December 1999 at which time the assets and liabilities of the Foyle Fisheries Commission were transferred to the Loughs Agency. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with: • A form directed by and approved by the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department of Finance as provided for in the Body’s Financial Memorandum. • The North/South annual reports and accounts guidance provided by the Department of Finance and Personnel, and the Department of Finance. Statutory Background The British/Irish Agreement Act 1999 and the North/South (Implementation Bodies) (N.I.) Order 1999 provided for the transfer of the powers of the Foyle Fisheries Commission to a new body, The Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC). The board of the FCILC, in exercising the functions of the body, are required to act in accordance with any directions given by the North/South Ministerial Council, to which it also reports. The FCILC was to be composed of two agencies, the Loughs Agency and the Lights Agency. It was intended that the Lights Agency, when established, would replace the Commissioners of Irish Lights as the General Lighthouse Authority for Ireland. However, given the complexities that have arisen in terms of pursuing such a

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

transfer of functions, the matter is under review at present. These accounts deal with the Loughs Agency of the FCILC. The Lights Agency is not in operational existence. Result for the Year The Loughs Agency is jointly funded by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (the Departments). The Loughs Agency incurred a Deficit of Stg £ (66,238) / € (78,041) for the year ended 31 December 2013 (2012: Surplus of Stg £ (5,878 )/ € (14,604). Changes in Fixed Assets Details of the movement in fixed assets are set out in note 10 to the accounts. Research and Development Total expenditure on Research and Development in 2013 was Nil (2012 - £NIL) Post Balance Sheet Events The Loughs Agency became a member of the North/South Pension Scheme on the 1st January 2015. There is no impact on the Agency’s future pension liabilities as the North/South pension benefits are the same as the former Scheme. Charitable Donations The Loughs Agency made no charitable donations during the year. Performance Targets The Annual Reports and Accounts guidance for North/South Implementation Bodies requires the reporting of financial performance against key targets. In July 2011 the Agency prepared and obtained the approval from the North/ South Ministerial Council, of a corporate plan for 2011-2013. The business plan for 2013 was approved by Ministers on 23 October 2013. As the activities of the Loughs Agency do not correlate with measuring its performance against

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

financial targets, the Agency has not reported performance targets in these accounts. On an on-going basis the Agency monitors its performance against the objectives and targets as set out in its business plan. Principal Activities The strategic priorities of the Loughs Agency, within the Corporate Plan, can be grouped into 6 major areas: 1) To conserve, protect, manage and improve the Fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas; 2) To develop the recreational fisheries areas of the Foyle and Carlingford areas; 3) To develop Marine Tourism; 4) To license, manage and develop aquaculture and shellfisheries; 5) To pursue increased efficiency and continuous improvement in the transparent and equitable delivery of services to all our customers; 6) To ensure the efficient, effective and economic utilisation of resources available to the Agency. The Annual Report provides further detail of the Loughs Agency’s work on these areas during the year. Board Members Mr Winston Patterson Mr Alan McCulla Mr Joe Miller Mr Jim Wilson Mrs Teresa McLaverty Mr Don Tipping Mr Michael McCormick Mr Andrew Duncan Mr Seamus Rodgers Mrs Phil Mahon Mr Laurence Arbuckle Mr Michael Murphy Mr Thomas Sloan

Chairperson Vice Chairperson Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Appointed 13/12/2012 Member Appointed 13/11/2013 Member Deceased 21/01/2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Board Members’ Responsibilities The Board monitors and directs the work of the Loughs Agency towards the achievement of the objectives approved by the North/South Ministerial Council. These objectives are fully detailed in the Agency’s corporate and business plans. They require the Agency to provide sustainable benefits to the economy, the environment and to society in the Foyle and Carlingford areas through the conservation, protection, development, and management of water based resources. They also require the Agency to raise public awareness of the resources of the waterways of the area and deliver these improvements through the development of partnerships with the users of the catchments. Employment Objectives The Loughs Agency is committed to providing information to employees and to consulting them on appropriate matters. The Loughs Agency follows the Northern Ireland Civil Service Code of Practice on Employment of Disabled People. This code of practice is to help the Agency achieve equality of opportunity for people with disabilities and to make full use of the skills and abilities that people with disabilities possess, through career development, training, opportunities for flexible working and the provision, of adaptations to premises, equipment or support. During 2013 none of the Loughs Agency Staff declared they had a disability. Equal Opportunities The Agency follows the NI Civil Service Equal Opportunity Policy that aims to foster a culture that rewards achievement and encourages every member of staff to develop his or her potential. We are committed to providing employment equality to all, irrespective of: • Gender, marital or family status; • Religious belief or political opinion; • Disability; • Race or ethnic origin; • Nationality; • Sexual orientation. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. Our building is fully compliant with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Payment to Suppliers The Loughs Agency is committed to the prompt payment of bills for goods and services received in accordance with the UK Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, as amended and supplemented by the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2002 and the Irish Late Payments in Commercial Transactions Regulations 2002. As appropriate the Loughs Agency will also be bound by any EU Directives on late payment. Unless otherwise stated in the contract, payment is due within 30 days of the receipt of the goods or services, or upon presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand, whichever is later. During the year 2013: 95.5% (2012: 98%) of bills were paid within this standard. Health and Safety The Loughs Agency is committed to complying with the Health & Safety at work (NI) Order 1978, the Safety, Health and Welfare at work Act 1989 and to all relevant legislation. It will continue to strive to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe, without undue risk to health and with adequate facilities and arrangements for welfare of staff at work. A Health and Safety Committee has been in place since 2006. Freedom of Information and Data Protection Act 1998 The Agency is currently exempt from the Freedom of Information Acts in UK and Ireland however a Code of Practice has been developed and implemented for all the Cross Border Bodies. The Agency is registered under the Data Protection Act 1998 with the Office of the Information Commissioners and will fully comply with its obligations under this Act and its equivalent in Ireland. Environmental Regulations The Agency also follows its obligations under the UK Environmental Regulations 2004 and the legislation governing Access to Information on the Environment in Ireland.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Future Developments The most significant development that will impact on the work of the Loughs Agency will be following the commencement of the amended Foyle Fisheries Acts, which will fully roll out the responsibilities of the Agency in the areas of Aquaculture, Shellfisheries and Marine Tourism through a suite of regulations. Given that Primary Legislation is required this may take several years to implement. Audit As Chief Executive and Accountable Person I am required to ensure that all relevant audit information is provided to the auditors. I have taken all reasonable steps to make myself aware of any relevant audit information and have ensured that all such information is made available. I would also confirm that there is no relevant audit information of which I am aware that the auditors have not been informed about. These accounts have been subject to a formal audit by the Comptrollers and Auditors General. The certificate and report of the Comptrollers and Auditors General to the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Houses of the Oireachtas are included at pages 9 and 10. Accounting Officer Mr John Pollock was appointed Acting Chief Executive by Ministers at their meeting of the North South Ministerial Council on 5 December 2012 and he is the accountable person of the Loughs Agency. Subsequently Mr John Pollock was appointed Chief Executive by Ministers of the North South Ministerial Council on 2 April 2014.

J Pollock Chief Executive and Accountable Person 10 March 2015

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Statement of Accountable Person’s Responsibilities The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources have directed the Loughs Agency to prepare a statement of accounts for each financial year in the form and on the basis set out in the accounts direction on page 116. The accounts are prepared on an accruals basis and must give a true and fair view of the Agency’s state of affairs at its year end and of its income and expenditure, recognised gains and losses and cash flows for the financial year. In preparing the accounts, the Loughs Agency is required to: • Observe the accounts direction issued by the sponsor departments, including the relevant accounting disclosure requirements, and apply accounting policies on a consistent basis; •

Make judgements and estimates on a reasonable basis;

• State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed and disclose and explain any material departures in the financial statements; • Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Agency will continue in operation. The Chief Executive’s responsibilities as the accountable person of the Loughs Agency, including responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances and for the keeping of proper records, are set out in the Agency’s Financial Memorandum.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Statement on Internal Control Scope of Responsibility I was appointed Acting Chief Executive by Ministers at their December 2012 meeting of the North South Ministerial Council. Mr Derick Anderson the Chief Executive and Accounting officer subsequently retired on 25th April 2013. On 2nd April 2014 following a formal appointment process, I was appointed by Ministers as Loughs Agency Chief Executive. As Accountable Person, I have responsibility for maintaining a sound system of internal control, that supports the achievement of the Loughs Agency’s policies, aims and objectives, as set out by the Departments’ Ministers whilst safeguarding the public funds and departmental assets for which I am personally responsible, in accordance with the responsibilities assigned to me in Managing Public Money Northern Ireland (MPMNI), North/ South Implementation Bodies Annual Report & Accounts Guidance 2009 and “Public Financial Procedures”. A Policy and Resource Framework is in place which sets out the role and aims of the Loughs Agency, its duties and powers, the responsibilities of the Chairman, Board and Chief Executive, and the relationship with the Ministers and Sponsor Departments. The Agency also operates within its Financial Memorandum guidelines which has been under review since 2010 by the Finance Departments North and South. In the interim since March 2013 the Sponsor Departments have agreed that the Agency should follow the tendering thresholds used by Central Procurement Directorate (CPD). The functions of the Loughs Agency are set out in North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (NI) Order 1999, the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 and the Foyle Fisheries Act (NI) 1952 (as amended). The Agency formulates its Corporate Plan and objectives after it has taken full cognisance of the following:- primary legislation in both jurisdictions, the Board, its Sponsor Departments, the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and the Foyle Area and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum. The Corporate Plan sets out the objectives over a three year period (2011-13) and an annual Business Plan which details the business objectives together with appropriate targets and performance measures. Results against targets and performance measures are reported monthly and in the annual report at the year end. The fundamental objective is to promote the development of

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

the resources of the Foyle and Carlingford catchments for commercial and recreational purposes. The Accounting Officer must ensure that the Agency adheres to the conditions attached to the public funds provided to it. The Managing Public Money Northern Ireland (MPMNI), the 2005 Financial Memorandum, North/South Implementation Bodies Annual Report & Accounts Guidance 2009, relevant Dear Accounting Officer (DAO’s) and Finance Director (FD) letters set out the controls to be exercised over the different areas of activity, either by the Departments directly or by the Loughs Agency, through its Board under delegated authority. The purpose of the system of internal control The system of internal control is designed to manage risk to a reasonable level rather than to eliminate all risk of failure to achieve policies, aims and objectives; it can therefore only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance of effectiveness. The system of internal control is based on an on-going process designed to identify and prioritise the risks to the achievement of the Agency’s policies, aims and objectives, to evaluate the likelihood of those risks being realised and the impact should they be realised, and to manage them efficiently, effectively and economically. The system of internal control has been in place in the Loughs Agency for the year ended 31 December 2013 and up to the date of approval of the annual report and accounts, and it accords with the Finance Departments’ guidance. Capacity to handle risk The Agency has established a risk management committee, to direct the risk management process within the Loughs Agency. The risk management committee provides regular updates to the Board and is a standing agenda item for Board and Audit Sub Committee meetings. The risk management committee reviews and updates the Agency’s strategic risks and has responsibility for the implementation of the risk management policy of the Agency. All staff have been issued with the Loughs Agency risk management policy. This document clearly explains the risk management processes in place and details the roles and responsibilities of all staff and the various boards and committees which are in place as part of the corporate governance framework within the Agency. A programme to regularly train staff in fraud awareness and risk management is in place. This programme is managed by Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

the risk management committee who will initiate training where the need is identified. The senior management takes responsibility for applying and overseeing the risk management process primarily to ensure that it is operating as intended, to challenge content of the risk register and enable the Chief Executive to report on the process to the Board of the FCILC. In addition to reviewing the risk framework, all recommendations received from both the internal and external auditors are reviewed, with controls being enhanced or introduced as necessary. All staff are expected to work within the Loughs Agency policies on risk management, alert management to emerging risks or control weaknesses, participate fully in the risk management process and assume responsibility for risks and controls within their own areas of work. The risk and control framework The Loughs Agency Risk Management Committee continued to update its risk register during 2013 and quarterly reviews and ownership of risks by Directorates have been on-going. The register identifies the key risks facing the Loughs Agency and these have been identified and evaluated and graded in relation to their significance. The grading exercise uses a combination of impact and likelihood assessments and was reviewed during the year. The outcome of these assessments is used to plan and allocate resources in order to ensure that risks are managed to an acceptable level. The risk register further details management’s associated controls and actions required to mitigate these risks. The Agency recognises that risk management is an evolving process within the Agency and has continued to embed, within the organisation, in 2013 the following: • Quarterly reviews of objectives and assessment of risks undertaken by each Directorate. Risk Register distributed to the key owners of risks within the Agency and action points delivered from this process; • Completion of standard risk assessment forms to ensure risks are recorded in a structured way and the use of defined criteria to ensure that risks are evaluated consistently;

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

• Inclusion of risk management as an agenda item on each Senior Management Team (SMT) monthly management meeting, to enable reporting and review of new risks, the effectiveness of controls over risks identified, the progress of action plans, and to facilitate early corrective action; • The Agency’s Board operates an Audit and Finance subcommittee which meets on a quarterly basis and risk management is included as a standing agenda item; • Update of Strategic and Fraud Risk Profiles and independent facilitation of risk management workshops. Review of effectiveness As accountable person, I have responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the system of internal control. My review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control is informed by the work of the internal audit units of the Departments, and the executive managers within the Loughs Agency who have responsibility for the development and maintenance of the internal control framework, and comments made by the external auditors in their management letter and other reports. I have been advised of the implications of the result of my review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control by the Board, the Audit Committee and Risk Management Committee and a plan to address weaknesses and ensure continuous improvement of the system is in place. As accountable person, I also have responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of internal control. The Loughs Agency has established the following processes: •

omprehensive budgeting systems with quarterly review of budgets C against actual and agreement by the (SMT) and audit committee;

•

hief Executive Officer (CEO) monitors reports on procurement C variances identified when comparing the purchase orders to the invoice payments;

•

egular reviews by management of financial reports including bank R reconciliations, payment schedules, grant in aid and other income;

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

•

Clearly defined capital investment control guidelines;

•

I mproved Procurement procedures and guidelines and appropriate formal project management disciplines in place;

•

Formal business cases in place for expenditure >£1k;

•

he risk management committee continues to update the risks T previously identified and update the Agency’s Risk Register. In addition actions have been identified and allocated to relevant Loughs Agency staff;

•

enior Managers within the Loughs Agency have been given a S timetable in support of the performance of the respective reviews of effectiveness;

•

ollowing the reviews of effectiveness I am provided with annual F stewardship certificates for all four operational management areas within the Agency. These certificates provide me with a number of assurances that I require to support the comments I make in the Statement on Internal Control. These statements provide assurance over the systems that make up the operating environment of the Loughs Agency;

•

our meetings of the Audit and Finance and Personnel Committee took F place in 2013 at which the progress of the risk management process was reviewed, and all Internal Audit reports and NIAO Management Letters points were addressed.

Audits conducted by SEUPB During 2013, an audit conducted by SEUPB identified weaknesses in the control over a project funded by SEUPB where the Agency was lead partner. Despite being the lead partner, the Agency did not have a full detailed audit trail of claims submitted and did not perform 100% verification checks of all transactions making up the grant claims, as required, in the letter of offer for the relevant grant. The Agency has responded to the weaknesses identified by performing 100% verification checks on the claims before they are submitted including asking for claims to be adjusted for ineligible expenditure. Further controls in place include the Agency now keeps a record of the submitted

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

claims and retains appropriate back up. The Agency has also relocated the staff members responsible for submitting and verifying claims to its headquarters in Prehen. Internal Control Issues In 2013, the EU finalised its position on the amount of grant to be awarded in respect of the MMV Ostrea and this was reflected in the 2012 financial statements. The Loughs Agency was levied a final penalty of £36,137 due to non-compliant procurement procedures. The 2013 Annual Internal Audit Report gave a satisfactory opinion as to the adequacy of the internal control environment operating within the Agency. J Pollock Chief Executive and Accounting Officer 10 March 2015

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

The Certificate of the Comptrollers and Auditors General to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas We have audited the accounts of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission Loughs Agency (the Body) for the year ended 31 December 2013 pursuant to the provisions of the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 which require us to audit and certify, in co-operation, the accounts presented to us by the Body. The accounts comprise the Income and Expenditure Account, the Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and the related notes and appendix. These accounts have been prepared under the accounting policies set out within them. Respective responsibilities of the Body, the Chief Executive and the Auditors As explained more fully in the Statement of Responsibilities, the Body is responsible for the preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The Chief Executive, as Accountable Officer, is responsible for ensuring propriety and regularity in relation to the use of public funds. Our responsibility is to audit and certify the accounts in accordance with the provisions of the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us and our staff to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. Scope of the audit of the accounts An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the accounts sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the accounts are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Body’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Body; and the overall presentation of the accounts. In addition we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report and the Foreword to identify material inconsistencies with the audited accounts and to identify

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by me in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our certificate. We are required to obtain evidence sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the expenditure and income reported in the accounts have been applied to the purposes intended by the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them. Opinion on Regularity In our opinion, in all material respects the expenditure and income recorded in the accounts have been applied to the purposes intended by the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas and the financial transactions recorded in the accounts conform to the authorities which govern them. Opinion on the accounts In our opinion: • the accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the Body’s affairs as at 31 December 2013 and of its deficit total recognised gains and losses and cash flows for the year then ended; and • the accounts have been properly prepared in accordance with the provisions of the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 and directions issued thereunder. Opinion on other matters In our opinion the information in the Foreword for the financial year for which the accounts are prepared is consistent with the accounts.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Matters on which we report by exception We report by exception if: • adequate accounting records have not been kept; or • the accounts are not in agreement with the accounting records; or • we have not received all of the information and explanations we require for our audit; or • the information given in the Annual Report is not consistent with the related account: or • the Statement on Internal Control does not reflect compliance with applicable guidance on corporate governance. We have nothing to report in respect of those matters upon which reporting is by exception.

KJ Donnelly Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Audit Office, 106 University Street, Belfast. BT7 1EU

John Buckley Irish Comptroller and Auditor General Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, Ireland.

July 2014 July 2014

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Income and Expenditure Account

Income

Note

2013

2012

2013

2012

£ Stg

€

Revenue grants from departments

3,956,180 3,748,867

Net deferred funding for pensions

14d

Other Revenue Grants

Ordinary income

95,788

94,609

112,857

116,653

Capital grants released

551,634

501,236

649,935

618,024

Profit on disposal of grant assets

17,097

13,403

20,144

16,439

Bailiffing

9,000

10,604

11,097

579,699

652,184

2,663,876 2,251,153

4,661,171 4,622,352 683,000

804,143

3,138,579 2,775,671

7,873,274 7,270,452

9,276,290 8,964,379

Expenditure Staff costs

2,524,930 2,514,145

2,974,872 3,099,941

Other Revenue Grant Expenses

2,663,876 2,251,153

3,138,578 2,775,671

Programme expenses

Administrative expenses

663,745

420,130

1,168,990 1,201,782

782,024

518,021

1,377,304 1,489,065

Currency exchange

19,973

25,425

23,532

31,349

(Profit / loss on sale of fixed assets Depreciation Interest payable

(8,910)

(35,585)

(10,498)

(43,876)

10 9

553,496 514,601 353,412 384,679 7,939,512 7,276,330 (66,238) (5,878)

652,129 634,503 416,390 474,309 9,354,331 8,978,983 (78,041) (14,604)

Operating (Deficit) taken to reserves Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Marine Tourism Interreg and IBIS IV grants formerly shown separately are now included within Other Revenue Grants. All amounts relate to continuing activities. The notes on pages 15 to 31 form part of these accounts.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

Statement of Total Recognised Gains & Losses for the year ended 31 December 2013 Note

2013 £ Stg

2012 £ Stg

2013 €

2012 €

Deficit on continuing operations after depreciation

(66,238)

(5,878)

(78,041)

(14,604)

Actuarial gain in respect of pension scheme

33,800

195,806

39,823

241,429

Adjustment for Deferred pension asset

(33,800)

(195,806)

(39,823)

(241,429)

Total recognised loss relating to the year

(66,238)

(5,878)

(78,041)

(14,604)

(66,238)

(5,878)

(78,041)

(14,604)

Opening reserves

1,453,613

1,459,491

1,768,955

1,741,614

Total recognised loss relating to the year

(66,238)

(5,878)

(78,041)

(14,604)

Total recognised losses since last report Reconciliation

Currency Translation Adjustment Closing reserves

1,387,375

1,453,613

(28,977)

41,945

1,661,937

1,768,955

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Balance Sheet Note

2013 £ Stg

2012 £ Stg

2013 €

2012 €

4,976,209

5,250,281

5,961,001

6,416,894

613,143

878,024

734,484

1,073,122

Cash at bank and in hand

340,010

642,495

407,298

785,257

Cash at bank and in hand Interreg /IBIS

322,438

296,988

386,248

362,979

1,275,591

1,817,507

1,528,030

2,221,358

911,887

1,389,427

1,092,349

1,705,814

Net Current Assets

363,704

428,080

435,681

515,544

Total Assets less Current Liabilities

5,339,913

5,678,361

6,396,682

6,932,438

8,507,288

10,844,813

10,397,607

Tangible fixed assets Current Assets Debtors and prepayments

Current Liabilities Creditors and accruals

Provisions Pension Liability

9,053,187

Deferred pension funding asset

(9,053,187) (8,507,288) (10,844,813) (10,397,607)

Total Long Term Liabilities

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

5,339,913

5,678,361

6,396,682

6,932,438

3,952,538

4,224,748

4,734,745

5,163,483

General reserve

375,207

428,080

449,460

515,544

Revaluation reserve

1,012,168

1,025,533

1,212,477

1,253,411

Total reserves

1,387,375

1,453,613

1,661,937

1,768,955

Total

5,339,913

5,678,361

6,396,682

6,932,438

Net Assets Represented By Deferred Capital grants Reserves

The notes on pages 88-115 form part of these accounts. J Pollock Chief Executive and Accountable Person 10 March 2015

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Cash Flow Statement Note

2013 £ Stg

2012 £ Stg

2013 €

2012 €

17a

(303,041)

312,760

(386,469)

398,509

(270,515)

(597,839)

(317,582)

(737,222)

(573,556)

(285,079)

(704,051)

(338,713)

296,521

646,827

349,361

797,538

(277,035)

361,748

(354,690)

458,825

(277,035)

361,748

(354,690)

458,825

939,483

577,735

1,148,236

689,411

At 31 December

662,448

939,483

793,546

1,148,236

(Decrease) / increase in cash in year

(277,035)

361,748

(354,690)

458,825

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from continuing activities Return on investment and servicing of finance Capital expenditure and financial investment

17b

Net cash outflow before financing Financing

17c

(Decrease) / increase in Cash Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in cash (Decrease) / increase in cash in year Explained as follows: At 1 January

The 2012 figures have been reanalysed in line with the new format.

Notes to the Accounts 1: Accounting Policies a) Basis of Accounting The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of land and buildings fixed assets. Without limiting the information given, the accounts are prepared on an accruals basis and comply with the accounting and disclosure requirements of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, (as amended by the Companies NI Order 1990) the Republic of Ireland Companies Acts 1963 to 2013, the accounting standards issued or adopted by the Accounting Standards Board, and accounting and disclosure requirements issued by the Department of Finance and Personnel and by the Department of Finance, in so far as those requirements are appropriate b) Fixed Assets and Depreciation From 1 January 2003 a policy was put in place whereby only assets (or groups of assets where appropriate) with costs greater than £1,000/€1,485 have

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

been capitalised. Prior to this all items of a capital nature were capitalised regardless of cost. Fixed assets (other than land and buildings) are stated on the balance sheet at cost less depreciation at annual rates calculated to write off the cost of the assets over their estimated useful lives. Land and buildings in Northern Ireland were revalued by Land & Property Services (LPS) on 31 December 2011. The Valuation was undertaken in line with Red book 5th edition published by Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and additions have been added to the revalued balance. In this instance depreciation has been provided to write land and buildings off over their remaining useful lives, otherwise the Agency uses the straight line method of depreciation. Fixed asset additions are depreciated from the month of purchase and depreciation is charged in year of disposal. The current rates applied to Fixed Asset additions are: Land & buildings, Interpretive Centre, Weirs

Various

Boats & boating equipment

15%

Plant & Equipment

25%

Office equipment / Fixtures & Fittings

10%

Computer equipment

25%

Motor vehicles

25%

c) Currency The Loughs Agency’s transactions are effected in both sterling and euro. Sterling is effectively the Loughs Agency’s working currency. Transactions in other currencies are translated to Sterling at an average of the previous month exchange rate. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are translated to Sterling at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date (closing rate). Realised gains and losses are taken to the Income and Expenditure Account. At year end the financial statements are translated into euro. The Income and Expenditure is translated using the average exchange rate for the year while the Balance sheet is translated using the closing exchange rate. The closing Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

rate which for 2013 is £stg: €1.19790 (2012: £stg: €1.2222). The average rate for 2013 is £stg: €1.17820 (2012: £stg:1.2330) Currency adjustments arising from this translation of the financial are reflected in all Balance Sheet Items and accordingly are disclosed in Fixed Assets (Note 10), Capital Grants (Note 13), Superannuation Scheme (Note 14), General Reserve Note (15) and the Revaluation Reserve (Note 16) . The Bank of England rates are used. d) Capital Grants Capital expenditure incurred to acquire fixed assets and investments is credited to the government grant reserve from grant in aid received. On disposal of a tangible fixed asset, or redemption of a fixed investment, where applicable, the profit or loss arising is credited or charged to the Income and Expenditure account. The balance remaining on the grant reserve in relation to the asset disposed of is then transferred to the Income and Expenditure account. e) Revenue Grants Interreg IVA grants have been accounted for on an accruals basis based on reasonable assurance that Loughs Agency will comply with conditions attached to the payments of grants. Match funding by partners has not been reflected in the final statements as the Agency is only acting an agency concerning that spend. SDF (Sustainable Development Fund) grants have been awarded on an accruals basis. f) Leases Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to administrative costs on a straight line basis over the terms of the lease. g) VAT The Loughs Agency is not in a position to reclaim VAT. Therefore VAT is included as expenditure and where appropriate capitalised in the value of fixed assets.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

2. Superannuation Scheme The Loughs Agency came into existence on 2 December 1999. On that date the Loughs Agency assumed all the assets and liabilities of the Foyle Fisheries Commission. The Loughs Agency, under the Foyle Area (Pension) (Amendment) Regulations 1979 made in exercise of its powers under paragraph 16 of the Third Schedule to that Act, provides retirement benefits to its employees. The Agency operates a defined benefit pension scheme for current and former employees. A FRS 17 calculation was completed at 31st December 2013, at which time the accrued liability, as per Balance Sheet, was £9,053,187 in 2013 (2012: £8,507,288) The liability at 31 December 2013 has been calculated by the actuary, Xafinity as disclosed in note 14. This includes the results of the calculations of the pension liabilities and costs of employees (and exemployees) of the Loughs Agency for the purposes of the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2013 and comparative figures for 2012. During 2013, discussions continued with Sponsoring Departments and the Departments of Finance, to resolve the difficulties identified in respect of the incompatibility of the pay and pension arrangements as operated by the Loughs Agency and the North/South Pension Scheme. On the 16th March 2007, it was confirmed that the Foyle Fisheries Commission Pension (Amendment) Scheme 1979 should apply to the Loughs Agency (Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission) from 2 December 1999 in accordance with the requirements of the Implementation Bodies Agreement, Annex 2, part 7, paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3. It was also confirmed in this Interim Procedure (IP) that the Foyle Fisheries Commission Pension (Amendment) Scheme 1979 is the same as, and therefore no less favourable than that to which transferred staff were subject immediately before transfer. A business case and economic appraisal was subsequently completed which supported the Loughs Agency becoming a member of the North/ South Pension Scheme. Sponsor Ministers and Finance Ministers in both jurisdictions considered this business case and gave their approval for the Loughs Agency to become a member of the North/South Pension Scheme. The Chief Executives of the other North/South Bodies, in their role as overseers of the North/South Pension Scheme, also confirmed that they were content for the Loughs Agency to become a member of the Scheme. The Loughs Agency Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

became a member of the North/South Pension Scheme with effect from 1st January 2015 and the Foyle Fisheries Commission Pension (Amendment) Scheme 1979 closed at that date. There is no impact on the Agency’s future pension liabilities as the North/South pension benefits are the same as the former Scheme. 3. Revenue and Capital Grants from sponsoring departments Note

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

1,947,816

2,197,847

2,294,917

2,709,945

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

1,947,816

2,197,847

2,294,917

2,709,945

Department of Finance and Personnel

357,069

420,699

4,252,701

4,395,694

5,010,533

5,419,890

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

296,521

646,827

349,361

797,538

3,956,180

3,748,867

4,661,171

4,622,352

4,252,701

4,395,694

5,010,532

5,419,890

Grants received in year

Total

Appropriation of grants received in year Capitalised against fixed assets Released to revenue

The Chief Executive retired in April 2013 and the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) paid an amount of £357,069/€420,699 to the Agency, being its contribution to the actuarial liability in respect of the Chief Executive’s prior service in the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS). The North/South sponsoring departments took account of the receipt from the Department and accordingly reduced their 2013 grant funding to the Loughs Agency by the same amount.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

119,311

2,544,565

(44,804)

119,311

2,913,568

418,949

(787,952)

2,544,565

Grants and running costs paid current year

Grants payable current year

Grants payable prior year

164,115

(44,804)

(685,634)

Grant receivable prior year

Revenue Grant Expenditure

(154,761)

407,802

Grant receivable /(deferred) current year

318,876

2,822,397

Grant received in year

Revenue Grant Income

IBIS Interreg IV

2,663,876

(832,756)

418,949

3,077,683

2,663,876

(730,438)

253,041

3,141,273

Total

2013

3,138,578

(981,154)

493,606

3,626,126

3,138,579

(860,602)

298,133

3,701,048

Total

2013

949,658

787,952

161,706

949,658

(28,000)

685,634

292,024

1,301,495

44,804

1,256,691

1,301,495

(57,171)

44,804

1,313,862

IBIS Interreg IV

2,251,153

832,756

1,418,397

2,251,153

(85,171)

730,438

1,605,886

Total

2012

2,775,671

1,026,788

1,748,883

2,775,671

(105,016)

900,630

1,980,057

€

Total

2012

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

4. Other Revenue Grants

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

5. Ordinary Income 2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

Licence duties

72,855

83,953

85,838

103,514

Fishery rent and rates

3,596

2,520

4,237

3,107

76,451

86,473

90,075

106,621

Fines and costs recovered

13,710

5,682

16,153

7,006

Sundry receipts

5,627

2,454

6,629

3,026

19,337

8,136

22,782

10,032

95,788

94,609

112,857

116,653

Normal activities

Other activities

Total

6. Staff Costs and Board Remuneration a). Staff Numbers The average monthly number of employees (full time equivalent) was:

2013

2012

Senior Management

Administrative

Field staff and inspectorate

35 57

38 60

Total b). Staff and Board Costs

The costs incurred in respect of these employees were: 2013 £

2012 as restated £

2013 €

2012 as restated €

1,874,674

1,950,206

2,208,741

2,404,604

Social security costs

155,105

164,912

182,745

203,336

Employers pension costs

421,731

325,601

496,883

401,466

2,451,510

2,440,719

2,888,369

3,009,406

Gross Salaries

Total staff costs

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts Board remuneration

71,988

71,925

84,816

88,684

Social security costs

1,432

1,501

1,687

1,851

Total Board costs

73,420

73,426

86,503

90,535

2,524,930

2,514,145

2,974,872

3,099,941

Total Board and staff costs

Staff costs in previous years included pension interest costs within Employers pension costs. Pension Interest costs are now included separately under interest payable costs see Notes 9 and 14. c). Seconded and Temporary Staff Staff costs above include the following

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

Temporary staff

28,488

117,275

33,565

143,310

Total temporary staff costs

28,488

117,275

33,565

143,310

Contracted (Seconded) staff

Salaries included under Revenue Grants Gross salaries (Full Time ) under Interreg expenditure (Note 4)

52,352

61,681

Social security costs (Full Time under Interreg expenditure (Note 4)

3,727

4,391

56,079

66,072

Salaries included under Programme Expenses Gross Salaries (Full Time) Conservation and protection (Note 7)

2,914

3,433

Social Security costs (Full Time) Conservation and protection (Note 7)

239

282

Gross Salaries (Full Time) Interreg Costs absorbed by LA (Note 7)

535

630

Social Security (Full Time) Interreg Costs absorbed by LA (Note 7)

3,733

4,398

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

d). The Former Chief Executive’s Costs 2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

Gross

24,087

71,754

28,379

87,683

Social security costs

2,862

7,863

3,372

9,609

Other pension costs

1,419

4,305

1,672

5,261

28,368

83,922

33,423

102,553

The Former Chief Executive retired in April 2013 and the above represents his costs to that date. In addition to the salary costs noted above, the former Chief Executive received a pension lump sum payment of £108,000 included within pension benefits paid (Note 14 refers). The benefit in kind, which relates to the provision of a motor vehicle, attributed to the Chief Executive for the tax year 2012/ 2013 was £2,789/€3,340. (tax year 2011/2012 was £2,133/€2,607). The Chief Executive is an ordinary member of the Agency’s pension scheme.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 6.e)

2013

Senior Management Costs

No other senior management staff received any benefits in kind. Benefits in kind are not included in the remuneration figures shown below. Other senior management / directors

2013 Gross

Social Security Costs

Age

John Pollock Acting CEO

55,825

5,476

Gerard Mills Development Resigned 02/03/12

Kevin Wilson Development Appointed 01/11/2012

47,833

4,372

John McCartney Conservation and Protection

50,904

Barry Fox Aquaculture

Other Pension Costs

2012 Gross

Social Security Costs

Other Pension Costs

47,836

4,382

2,866

10,251

893

615

2,870

7,063

671

424

4,795

3,054

48,520

4,475

2,897

44,057

4,736

2,643

41,765

4,490

2,506

198,619

19,379

11,916

155,435

14,911

9,308

3,349

John Pollock was appointed Acting Chief Executive of the Loughs Agency in December 2012 and subsequently formally appointed to the position of Chief Executive on the 2nd April 2014.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

f). Board members remuneration including social security costs 2013

2012

2013

2012

€

4,977

6,137

Mr Winston Patterson (Chairperson)

10,352

9,795

12,196

12,077

Mr Laurence Arbuckle Appointed 13/12/2012

7,200

8,483

Mr Michael Murphy Appointed 13/11/2013

703

828

Mr Alan McCulla (Vice Chairperson)

6,690

7,882

8,249

Mr Joe Miller

5,236

5,235

6,169

6,455

Mr Jim Wilson

5,236

5,235

6,169

6,455

302

5,235

356

6,455

Mr Don Tipping

6,839

6,297

8,058

7,764

Mr Andrew Duncan

6,839

6,297

8,058

7,764

Mr Michael McCormick

6,839

6,297

8,058

7,764

Mrs Teresa McLaverty

5,236

5,235

6,169

6,455

Mr Seamus Rodgers

6,712

6,625

7,908

8,169

Mrs Phil Mahon

5,236

5,508

6,169

6,791

Mr Michael McCormick

6,297

349

7,764

401

Mrs Teresa McLaverty

5,235

273

6,455

315

Mr Seamus Rodgers

6,625

349

8,169

401

Mrs Phil Mahon

5,508

273

6,791

315

73,420

73,426

86,503

90,535

Mr Tarlach O'Crosain

Mr Thomas Sloan (Deceased)

Board members’ salaries are not pensionable. Republic of Ireland Board members were paid in Euro at the agreed Euro amounts. Board members expenses were £966 (€1,157) in 2013.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

7. Programme expenses

Programme expenses

2013

2012

2013

2012

€

Conservation and Protection

230,285

121,932 271,321 150,342

Marine tourism & Angling Development

214,435

228,713 252,647 282,004

Sustainable Development Fund

125,066

38,530 147,353

47,507

Aquaculture

90,021

30,956 106,063

38,168

Interreg

3,938 663,745

0 4,640 0 420,130 782,024 518,021

£163,596 has been spent on sustainable development over the last 2 years and a further a further £36,404 remains to be spent under funding agreement from the Sponsoring Departments – this is included in commitments see Note 18b(4).

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

8. Administrative Expenses 2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

Staff training

44,268

44,096

52,155

54,370

Bank charges

1,491

1,045

1,757

1,288

Postage

11,698

13,337

13,783

16,445

Advertising

74,959

48,049

88,317

59,244

Light and heat

71,098

44,090

83,768

54,363

Telephone

65,533

75,034

77,211

92,517

Rent

43,161

43,466

50,852

53,594

Insurance

163,837

153,033

193,033

188,690

Audit fees (see note below)

27,500

22,100

32,401

27,249

Accountancy fees

10,686

15,905

12,590

19,611

Motor vehicle expenses

87,655

86,106

103,275

106,169

Boat stores

1,375

8,392

1,620

10,347

Boat maintenance

45,810

89,411

53,973

110,244

Printing and stationery

37,619

31,211

44,323

38,483

Licence dealers commission

7,133

9,005

8,404

11,006

Maintenance and repairs

58,719

86,656

69,183

106,847

1,710

2,108

Travelling and conference expenses

69,552

61,529

81,946

75,865

Hospitality

7,712

9,930

9,086

12,244

Health and safety

38,250

19,150

45,066

23,612

Cleaning

13,024

12,393

15,345

15,281

Computer consumables and maintenance

35,636

33,458

41,986

41,254

Other equipment costs

63,112

37,468

74,359

46,198

Subscriptions

73,500

100,523

86,598

123,945

Surveys

3,578

4,216

102,921

105,172

121,262

129,677

Tagging expenses

4,305

6,981

5,072

8,608

Licence Fees

4,858

6,395

5,724

7,982

36,137

51,824

1,201,782

1,377,304

1,489,065

Miscellaneous

Legal and professional fees

Financial penalty (see Note below) 1,168,990

100

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

The £27,500 audit fees includes estimated fee of £22,100 for year and estimated under accrual of £5,400 for past year. The financial penalty relates to the financial settlement in respect of noncompliant procurement procedures re MMV Ostrea. This has now been paid to the Sponsor Departments. 9. Interest Payable

Pension Interest Cost (Note 14e)

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

353,412

384,679

416,390

474,309

353,412

384,679

416,390

474,309

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

101

102

(1,980)

Disposals

(214)

Depreciation on disposal

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

2,779,358

2,824,630

817,370

754,318

645,919

(508)

56,300

590,127

339,923

319,590

188,721

20,333

168,388

508,311

7,402

725,644

581,229

1,256,533

59,978

5,753

45,923

27,139

28,788

179,336

151,786

34,040 1,022,406

87,528

934,878

62,828 1,174,192

0 (17,636)

163,848

1,092,685

1,837,762

Plant

73,062 1,114,214

0 (17,636)

19,433

1,818,329

Boats & Fixtures boating & equipment fittings

29,625

25,084

20,329

4,541

15,788

45,413

76,020

71,870

307,707

28,136

279,571

379,577

23,986

355,591

Total

€

Total

296,521

(124,650)

349,361

(88,699)

553,496

275,866 5,250,281

218,913 4,976,209

270,598 3,874,069

(70,341)

113,474

227,465 3,409,272

6,416,894

(650,615)

7,067,509

5,961,001

(783,595)

6,744,596

5,248,572

(104,505)

652,129

4,700,948

489,511 8,850,277 11,993,168

(78,921) (105,797)

65,101

503,331 8,659,553 11,768,457

Office Computer Motor equipment equipment vehicles

The currency translation adjustment is the difference between the net book value of fixed assets calculated using the current year end exchange rate and their net book value using the previous year’s rate of exchange.

Currency Translation Adjustment

At 31/12/2012

Currency Translation Adjustment

At 31/12/2013

Net Book Value

127,816

73,583

Charge for year

At 31/12/2013

54,447

At 1 January 2013

Depreciation

(7,260)

2,952,446 1,400,237

120,621

At 31/12/2013

Weirs Interpretive centre

2,833,805 1,407,497

Additions

At 1 January 2012

Cost

Land & buildings

10. Tangible Fixed Assets

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

11. Debtors and Prepayments 2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

Trade debtors

9,370

12,712

11,225

15,537

Prepayments

181,043

113,316

216,871

138,495

Bailiffing debtor

9,000

10,781

10,999

Other debtors

5,928

12,557

7,101

15,348

407,802 613,143

730,439 878,024

Grants receivable

488,506 892,743 734,484 1,073,122

12. Creditors and Accruals 2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

Trade creditors

52,496

271,114

62,885

331,355

Accruals

274,419

282,262

328,726

352,637

Other creditors

11,262

3,295

13,491

4,029

Grants payable

418,949

832,756

Deferred Grant

154,761 0 185,388 0 911,887 1,389,427 1,092,349 1,705,814

501,859 1,017,793

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

103

13. Capital Grants DOM / Local Govt

EU Funds

Total

DARD Gross capital grant Note

€

3,809,946

933,094

3,010,120

7,753,160

10,419,773

296,521

349,361

Disposals

(105,796)

(124,649)

At 31 December

4,000,671

933,094

3,010,120

7,943,885

10,644,485

1,885,386

501,845

1,141,181

3,528,412

4,700,102

Amortised in year

397,207

36,103

118,324

551,634

649,935

Eliminated on disposal

(88,699)

(104,505)

At 31 December

2,193,894

537,948

1,259,505

3,991,347

5,245,532

1,806,777

395,146

1,750,615

3,952,538

5,398,953

At 1 January Additions

Grant amortisation At 1 January

Unamortised capital grants At 31 December

(664,208) 4,734,745 At 1 January

1,924,560

431,249

Currency Translation Adjustment

1,868,939

4,224,748

5,719,671 (556,188)

5,163,483

104

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2013

14. Superannuation Scheme FRS17 requires financial statements to reflect, at fair value, the assets and liabilities arising from an employer’s obligations and any related funding and to recognise the cost of providing superannuation benefits in the accounting period in which they are earned by employees. The effect of FRS17 is to recognise expenditure in the year the costs of pensions earned rather than the payments made to pensioners, and a corresponding funding amount. In addition the Balance sheet recognises the cumulative liability for pensions earned by employees at 31 December 2013 together with a corresponding asset. The provision relates to the outstanding liability to pensions, deferred pensions and active members for the Foyle Area (Pension) (Amendment) Regulations 1979. The scheme is a defined benefit scheme. Section 9 of the regulations covers retirement on medical grounds. This section of the scheme rules states that when a person retires on medical grounds then the length of pensionable service to be used when calculating the lump sum and annual pension should be increased as follows: a) If the pensionable service is less than ten years then it should be doubled b) If it is ten years or more it should be increased to either twenty years or by six and two thirds years. The Loughs Agency Superannuation Scheme shows a net liability position (netted off with pension deferred asset) on the face of the Balance sheet and is based on the Xafinity actuarial valuation at 31st December 2013. The Loughs Agency is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. This relationship means that both Departments will meet pension liabilities as they fall due on a yearly basis and within agreed limits. Pension payments were also made to individuals who retired in previous years. Note 2 highlights that the Loughs Agency has now joined the North South Pension Scheme with effect from 1st January 2015. a). Xafinity FRS17 Review at 31 December 2013 As regards the FRS calculations Xafinity noted the following:The liability and cost calculations have been based on an actuarial valuation carried out as at 31 December 2007, updated to allow for the actual salary Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

105

and pension rolls as at the effective date of the calculations. Note that The Loughs Agency have not carried out a full validation exercise on the information supplied although at a high level the data supplied seems consistent with previous information. b). Future Pension Arrangements Liabilities and the corresponding asset below may increase should the Loughs Agency be able to apply the terms of the North / South pension scheme.

106

Assumptions

2013

2012

Rate of salary increase

4.00%

Rate of pension increase

2.50%

1.80%

Discount rate

4.50%

4.10%

Rate of inflation

2.50%

1.80%

2013

2012

Male

Female

Male

Female

Average expected life at age 63 for

Years

Members currently aged 63

23.50

26.10

23.30

26.00

Members currently aged 45

25.20

27.80

25.10

27.80

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts c). Pension Liability 2013 £

2012 £

2013

2012

€

8,507,288

8,050,910

10,397,607

9,607,151

Current Service costs

421,731

325,601

496,883

401,466

Interest on Scheme Liabilities

353,412

384,679

416,390

474,309

Contributions to pensions by Loughs Agency

109,907

107,934

129,492

133,083

9,392,338

8,869,124

11,440,372

10,616,009

Actuarial gains

(33,800)

(195,806)

(39,823)

(241,429)

Benefits paid

(305,351)

(166,030)

(359,765)

(204,715)

(195,971)

227,742

10,844,813

10,397,607

At 1 January

Translation adjustment 9,053,187

8,507,288

d). Deferred Funding for Pensions The Loughs Agency recognises as an asset a deferred funding asset of £9,053,187 as at 31 December 2013 (2012: £8,507,288). The net deferred funding for pensions recognised in Income & Expenditure in 2013 includes 2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

Deferred Funding for Pensions Funding recoverable in respect of the current year pension costs

885,050

818,214 1,042,765 1,008,858

State grant applied to pay pensioners

(305,351)

(166,030)

(359,765)

(204,715)

579,699

652,184

683,000

804,143

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

107

e). Analysis of amount charged to operating profit 2013

2012

2013

2012

Analysis of the amount charged to operating profit Service cost (Note 6b)

421,731

325,601

496,883

401,466

Interest on pension liabilities (Note 9)

353,412

384,679

416,390

474,309

Total operating charge

775,143

710,280

913,273

875,775

History of experience gains and losses

2013

2012

2013

2012

Experience gains and losses on liabilities

Percentage of scheme liabilities

(0)

(33,800)

(195,806)

(39,823)

(241,429)

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

8,507,288

8,050,910

10,397,607

9,607,151

545,899

456,378

447,206

790,456

9,053,187

8,507,288

10,844,813

10,397,607

f). Scheme History

Total amount recognised in STRGL Percentage of scheme liabilities g). Deferred Funding Asset Deferred Funding Asset for pension Balance at 1 January Increase in deferred funding for pension assets Balance at 31 December

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2013

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 15. General Reserve 2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

At 1 January

428,080

420,593

515,544

501,895

(Deficit) for the year

(66,238)

(5,878)

(78,041)

(14,604)

(4,052)

11,916

Revised Transfer from revaluation reserve

13,365

16,009

16,337

Actuarial (loss)/gain on pension scheme

33,800

195,806

39,823

241,429

Adjustment for Deferred Pension Scheme Asset

(33,800)

(195,806)

(39,823)

(241,429)

At 31 December

375,207

428,080

449,460

515,544

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

1,025,533

1,038,898

1,253,411

1,239,719

(24,925)

30,029

(16,009)

(16,337)

Exchange difference

16. Revaluation Reserve

At 1 January Exchange difference Transfer from to Income and Expenditure account

(13,365)

0 At 31 December

1,012,168

1,025,533

1,212,477

1,253,411

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109

17. Notes to the Cashflow Statement a). Net cashflow from operating activities Note

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

Operating (deficit) / surplus

(66,238)

(5,878)

(78,041)

(14,604)

Loss / (profit) on disposal of fixed assets

(8,910)

(35,585)

(10,498)

(43,876)

Depreciation

553,496

514,601

652,129

634,503

Capital grant release

(551,634)

(501,236)

(649,935)

(618,024)

Net Deferred Pension funding

(579,699)

(652,184)

(683,000)

(804,143)

(17,097)

(13,403)

(20,144)

(16,439)

(Profit) on disposal of capital grant assets (Increase) / decrease in debtors

264,881

(563,538)

338,638

(702,350)

Increase / (decrease) in creditors

(477,539)

917,799

(613,465)

1,143,020

Pension service cost

885,050

818,214

1,042,765

1,008,858

Pension benefits paid

(305,351)

(166,030)

(359,765)

(204,715)

(5,153)

16,279

(386,469)

398,509

Translation exchange difference (303,041)

Net cash outflow from continuing activities

312,760

b). Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment Note

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

(296,521)

(646,827)

(349,361)

(797,538)

Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets

26,006

48,988

31,779

60,316

Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment

(270,515)

(597,839)

(317,582)

(737,222)

Purchase of tangible fixed assets

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2013

c). Net cash inflow from financing Note

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

296,521

646,827

349,361

797,538

296,521

646,827

349,361

797,538

Capital grants received Net cash inflow from financing

18. Commitments (a) Capital Commitments Capital Commitments Contracted for

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

20112 €

There are no capital commitments contracted for year ended 31 December 2013. b). Other Commitments (1) - In July 2009 the Agency received a Letter of Offer from the Special EU Programmes Body to the value of €4,000,000 EU to progress its marine tourism strategy under the INTERREG IV programme. The Agency is awaiting INTERREG value for money assessments of its projects and approval from the Department of Finance and Personnel for staffing to help manage the projects. The programme of works will complete by 2015. During 2013 construction was completed on the cruise ship quay and a marine event platform (a large pontoon) on the left bank of the River Foyle. Other projects are proceeding at Malin Head, Benone, Strabane and at other locations. A finance, monitoring and evaluation officer and also a project support officer are in post. Claims have been processed by the Loughs Agency in 2013 for expenditure that has been incurred on this programme amounting to £119,311. This was 100% grant funded. £164,115 was actually paid to Partner organisations in 2013 (£44,804 of which related to 2012). During the year the Lough’s Agency received an advance of £171,560 of which £16,799 was spent in the year and accordingly at 31st December 2013 £154,761 is included as deferred grant within creditors (Note 12). Grant of £44,804 (£30,730 owed to partner organisations and £14,074 owed to the Loughs Agency) was receivable in 2012 (Note 11). Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

111

(2) The total project budget for the IBIS project is £8,694,063. It is expected that £6,017,968 of this is eligible to be grant aided with a grant amount receivable of £4,937,442 over the life of the programme. The grant amounts are split between the Agency, Glasgow University and Queens University. The total grants are set out below showing the cumulative position at the 31st December 2013 as well as the activity during that year. Grant

Cumulative to 31st December 2012 restated

Activity To 31st December 2013

Total Cumulative To 31st December 2013 £

572,246

162,706

226,810

389,516

Glasgow University

3,241,577

585,688

2,008,920

2,594,608

Queens University

1,123,619

201,264

308,835

510,099

Total

4,9 37,442

949,658

2,544,565

3,494,223

Loughs Agency

As outlined in Accounting Policy 1(e) the Agency’s financial statements recognise all the costs incurred by it in relation to this project. The agency record only amounts disbursed by way of grants to its partner agencies (Glasgow University and Queens University). Matching funding provided by those agencies is recognised in the financial statements of those entities only. (3) The Agency acting on its own behalf and also on behalf of local external parties received an out of court settlement on 16th June 2009 £500,000 in lieu of several pollution incidents from 1999 to 2004. Part of the terms of the agreement were that monies were to be spent on river rehabilitation works in accordance with national guidelines and overseen by a trust to ensure this money was kept separate from the Agency’s core funding. The money was held by the Agency’s solicitor in a high interest account until it was transferred to the Loughs Agency in February 2011 along with interest earned. The balance held by the Loughs Agency on behalf of this Trust as at 31st December 2013 was £535,790 (2012: £527,111) which includes net interest received in year of £8,679. No expenditure has been incurred in year. A separate SAGE register has been set up for the Trust however it is

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2013

not included in the Agency’s balance sheet as per the requirements of the Agreement. The Trust’s draft articles of association and the Accountancy treatment of this is being finalised with the Sponsor Departments. (4) Under agreement from the Sponsoring Departments £100,000 of income was received in each of the years 2012 and 2013 therefore totalling £200,000, to be spent on sustainable development projects. £163,596 of these funds have been spent at the 31st December 2013. The remaining £36,404 has been committed to sustainable development projects and will be fully exhausted in 2014. There were no other commitments other than operating leases see note 22. 19. Contingent Liabilities There are no contingent liabilities as at 31 December 2014. 20. Post Balance Sheet Events A fire took place at the Omagh hut included in Land and Buildings. The Loughs Agency received an insurance settlement totalling £6,625.46 to cover all damage. Finance Departments North and South have agreed that the Agency will join the North South Pension Scheme. A scheme rule amendment has been approved by Ministers at North South Ministerial Council meeting on 5th December 2014. This amendment provides for the inclusion of the Loughs Agency as a member of the Scheme with effect from 1st January 2015. Negotiations are ongoing with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to Southern rates of pay. Legal advice has been taken regarding the closure of the Foyle Fisheries Commission Pension (Amendment) Scheme 1979 and the transfer of Scheme members to the North/South Pension Scheme. The advice provided is that, an NSMC decision can be used to close the Scheme and transfer staff to the new Scheme. These actions will happen simultaneously.

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113

21. Operating Lease At 31 December 2013 the Agency had an annual commitment under a 5 year short term business letting agreement for the 1st and 2nd floors of the Darcy Magee Centre, Dundalk Street, Carlingford of Stg per year 2013: £13,748/€16,800 (2012: £13,748/€16,800) the lease agreement is due for renewal on 15/07/2017. Additional storage unit has been rented in Carlingford, and the lease agreement is due for renewal on 1 August 2017 Stg per annum 2013: £12,000 (2012: £12,000) A new lease agreement for Greencastle office had been drafted in 2011 which runs for 3 years commencing the 1st of September 2013: £7,723/€9,438 (2012: £7,723/€9,438) Additional Storage leased Port and Harbour. The Lease Agreement commenced 1 July 2012 for five years due for renewal 1 July 2017 Stg £2,500 per annum. Operating Lease Expiry

2013 £

2012 £

2013 €

2012 €

< 1 year

33,423

35,968

40,843

43,953

2-5 years

71,646

104,008

87,551

127,098

> 5 years

22. Related Party Transactions The Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (Loughs Agency) is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland, and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the Republic of Ireland. The above named departments are regarded as related parties. During the period Loughs Agency has had various transactions with these Departments.

114

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The Agency is Lead Partner for two Interreg IVA funded projects INTERREG IV Marine & Angling Tourism and INTERREG IVA IBIS. The principle partner for INTERREG IV Marine & Angling Tourism was Londonderry Port. The sub partners for IBIS are Glasgow University in Scotland and Queens University Belfast. None of the members of key management staff or other related parties has undertaken any material transactions with the Loughs Agency during the period. 23. Losses and Special Payments There were no special payments for the year ended 31st December 2013. 24. Financial Instruments a) Financial instruments Due to the non - trading nature of its activities, and the way in which the Loughs Agency is financed, it is not exposed to the degree of financial risk faced by business entities. The Loughs Agency has very limited powers to borrow or invest surplus funds and financial assets and liabilities are generated by day - to - day operational activities and are not held to change the risks facing the Agency in undertaking its activities. The Agency’s financial instruments mainly consist of cash, trade debtors and trade creditors. b) Liquidity, Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Risk The Agency’s net revenue resource requirements are financed by resources voted annually by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Dáil Éireann, as largely is its capital expenditure. It is not therefore exposed to significant liquidity risks. The Agency does not access funds from commercial sources and so is not exposed to significant interest rate risk. The Agency’s transactions are effected in the currencies of each part of the island, with realised gains and losses being taken to the Income and Expenditure account. The Agency’s exposure to foreign currency risk is not significant as it receives agreed levels of funding from its sponsoring departments, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in sterling and does not engage in trading activities. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

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Appendix 1 Account Direction ACCOUNT DIRECTION GIVEN BY THE NORTHERN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, THE SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARINE AND NATURAL RESOURCES WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE DEPARTMENTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NORTH/SOUTH CO-OPERATION (IMPLEMENTATION BODIES) (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1999 AND THE BRITISH-IRISH AGREEMENT ACT 1999 The annual accounts shall give a true and fair view of the income and expenditure and cash flows for the financial year, and the state of affairs as at the year end. Subject to this requirement, the Loughs Agency shall prepare for the financial period ended 31 December 2000 and subsequent years in accordance with: a) The North/South Implementation Bodies Annual reports and Accounts Guidance; b) Other guidance which Finance Departments may issue from time to time in respect of accounts which are required to give a true and fair view; c) Any other specific disclosures required by sponsoring departments Except where agreed otherwise with finance departments, in which case the exception shall be described in the notes to the accounts.

116

Signed by authority of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Signed by authority of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Gerald Lavery Date 3rd August 2001

Maurice Mullen

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2013

Date 6th September 2001

ISBN 978-0-9567910-9-2

Headquarters 22 Victoria Road, Londonderry BT47 2AB, Northern Ireland Tel: +44 (0) 28 71 342100 Fax: +44 (0) 28 71 342720 email: general@loughs-agency.org Dundalk Street, Carlingford, Co Louth, Rep. of Ireland Tel: +353 (0)42 938 3888 Fax: +353 (0)42 938 3888 email: carlingford@loughs-agency.org www.loughs-agency.org DARD Media Services 15.16.076