2011 Annual Report and Accounts by loughsagency

2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report & Accounts

2011

For the period ended December 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Loughs Agency

Annual Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 December 2011

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 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Contents 1.

Chief Executive’s Overview

Mission Statement

Objectives

Board Members

North / South Ministerial Council

Foyle and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum

Staffing

Staff Development

Education and Interpretive Centre “Riverwatch”

10.

Conservation and Protection

11.

Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

12.

Marine Tourism and Angling Development

Appendix 1 - Outturn Against Targets Priorities, Objectives & Targets For 2011 Conservation and Protection Aquaculture Development Corporate Services

39 39 39 43 46 51

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

iii

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

1. Chief Executive’s Overview I am pleased to present the 2011 Annual Report which details the work the Agency has undertaken over the year. Conservation and Protection The Agency continues to be committed to the delivery of evidence based management of the resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas and to this end 14 catchment and 2 sea lough status reports were published during the year. These are available on the Agency’s website and include evaluations of the fish populations, assessments of the environmental issues affecting them and proposed actions for the subsequent period. These have informed the ongoing development of Agency policy including the Enforcement Policy, Barriers to Migration and Stocking Policy and have identified areas of the catchments which are worthy of habitat enhancement. 12 such schemes have been delivered during the year many of them in partnership with local interests and riparian farmers. Enforcement of our suite of Regulations continues to be a priority for the Agency and during the year up to September Agency staff had seized 161 illegal nets, 109 fish, 44 rods, 19 boats, 2 cars, 5 knives, a baton, a hammer and other associated instruments including decoy nets with hooks in them, planks with nails as well as other materials and related equipment. In the oyster fishery staff have seized 5 bags of oysters and are preparing a number of case files for consideration by our solicitors. Staff have dealt with 62 pollution incidents, and taken 9 sets of statutory samples. Aquaculture We are pleased to report progress in the Aquaculture and Shellfisheries sector this year with the wild oyster landings holding steady at 120 tonnes with a small number of vessels being cautioned for not returning their landing data. The Agency has approved 51 licences for the 2011/12 fishery which is a slight increase on the figure for the previous season. The minimum landing size for these shellfish was increased to 80mm during 2011 and this has shown an increase in the number of age classes represented in the fishery. It is clear from the surveys from 2006 to 2011 that there is a significant improvement in the Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

length frequency of the standing stock within the oyster fishery. There was very little evidence of oysters above 75mm when the CEFAS survey was conducted in 2006, there is now consistent evidence of oysters up to and above 100mm in the fishery. This should allow the fishery to increase with the additional broodstock available for spawning year on year. The Agency has committed to introducing a weight restriction for buyers of oysters in the Foyle area and it is expected that this regulation will be in place for the start of the 2012/13 fishery. The incidence of the blood parasite Bonamia appears to have decreased during the summer of 2011 with low mortalities recorded during surveying. This may be due to the higher mortalities during the 2010 surveys but it is hoped that the low levels recorded in 2011 is a positive sign. The Agency will continue to monitor for the prevalence of Bonamia during 2012. The Agency undertook surveys for invasive species and bird surveys to aid in the updating of the appropriate assessments carried out in both sea loughs. These surveys will be undertaken annually to monitor for the introduction or spread of invasive species and also to ensure that bird appendages are not impacted upon by commercial activity. Negotiations continue with the Crown Estates Commission and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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 secured in 2012. The Agency has now published its Strategic Environmental Assessment and Implementation Plan for the introduction of regulations to licence and manage aquaculture operations in the Foyle and Carlingford sea areas. The Agency’s monitoring vessel the MMV Ostrea has undertaken surveys of both mussel and oyster areas during the period and surveys were also undertaken in partnership with fishermen from the Lough Foyle oyster fishery. These surveys have provided valuable information to inform the management of the sea loughs.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Development The Marine Tourism and Angling Development strategies were reviewed in the early part of 2011 and findings presented to the Loughs Agency Board. This review identified that further detailed consultation with stakeholders was required, the outcome of which will inform the 2012 Business Plan activities. At this stage reserve projects have been prioritised and funding is being sought to develop these in line with the Marine Tourism Development Strategy in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The introduction of Status Reports for development initiatives focussed on identifying forty monitoring sites, to gather further baseline data regarding visitor numbers throughout the Foyle and Carlingford areas. This monitoring will be conducted through various counting stations, which are in the process of procurement through the Central Procurement Directorate of the Department of Finance and Personnel. The usage of resources will be determined from this data and will enable further reporting. A number of projects under the INTERREG IVA programme received approval to proceed in mid 2011 including Malin Head and Mellon Beat. Further delays in the approval of the Moorings and Pontoons on the river Foyle at Meadowbank Quay have delayed their start. This is particularly concerning as it is hoped to bring the Clipper Round the world yacht Race to DerryLondonderry in June of 2012. In the continuing development of partnership with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Mourne Heritage Trust, and Newry and Mourne and Louth County Councils, further phases of the coastal path have been designed and funding applied for through the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in mid 2011 to proceed with projects at Whitewater, Rosses Monument, Donaghaguy and possibly Bessbrook Pond. The projects at the Whitewater, and Rosses Monument and Donaghaguy Reservoir were successful in attracting 50% funding from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and will be implemented in early 2012. The Louth Coastal trail was surveyed in mid 2011 and meetings to source funds to develop this trail have taken place with Failte Ireland and Louth County Council. The Coastal Trail will ‘piggy back’ on the installation of a new water main along the Louth Coast line following the former railway embankment – the project is scheduled to be delivered by 2014. Funding from Failte Ireland is still to be confirmed. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

In early 2011 discussions took place with the Department of Regional Development (Roads Service) to explore options for refuge parking and sustainable drainage along Newry Ship Canal. A Roads Service survey identified a possible 6 locations and 4 were completed in late 2011 with a hope that further schemes may be brought forward in 2012. I would again wish to record our gratitude to the Chairman and the Board for their advice, encouragement and support over the period and our Sponsoring Departments for their support and guidance. Finally, I would like to thank all my colleagues who have again demonstrated their expertise, commitment and professionalism in delivering the responsibilities of the Agency.

Derick Anderson Chief Executive

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

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 2011

4. Board Members Details of the Board membership are as follows: Mr Tarlach O’Crosain Ms Jacqui McConville Mr Enda Bonner Mr Brendan Byrne Mr John Byrne Mr Denis Haughey Mr Alan McCulla Mr Joe Miller Mr John Mulcahy Mr Winston Patterson Mr Thomas Sloan Mr Jim Wilson

Chairperson Vice Chairperson

The end of the year brought the term of the above named Board to an end. New nominations to the Loughs Agency Board were received and the new Board were appointed on 13 December 2011. This new Board retained six members of the previous Board and six new members, as follows: Mr Winston Patterson Mr Alan McCulla Mr Tarlach O’Crosain Mr Joe Miller Mr Thomas Sloan Mr Jim Wilson Mr Andrew Duncan Ms Phil Mahon Mr Michael J McCormick Mr Seamus Rodgers Mr Donal Tipping Mrs Theresa McLaverty

Chairperson Vice Chairperson

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Board Meetings 65th 66th 67th 68th 69th 70th 71st

Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday

19 23 25 06 07 26 23

January March May July September October November

2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011

Loughs Agency HQ Prehen Loughs Agency Carlingford Loughs Agency HQ Prehen Loughs Agency HQ Prehen Loughs Agency Carlingford Loughs Agency HQ Prehen Redcastle, Co Donegal

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

5. North/South Ministerial Council 5.1 17th North South Ministerial Council Meeting in the Aquaculture and Marine Sectoral format The seventeenth North South Ministerial Council meeting in Aquaculture and Marine sectoral format was held in the NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh on 4 July 2011. The Council welcomed a progress report on the work of the Loughs Agency, presented by the Agency’s Chairperson Tarlach O Crosain and the Chief Executive, Derick Anderson. Ministers welcomed the improvement in the stock profile of native Lough Foyle oysters due to the regulation of the fishery; the opening of an Agency office in Greencastle, County Donegal; the completion of new aquaria in the Agency’s visitor centre, Riverwatch; and the completion of amenity sites at Mill Bay and Narrow Water which are supported by NITB as part of the wider Mourne Coastal route. Ministers noted the approval and progress of the INTERREG projects at Meadowbank and the importance of these facilities for the Clipper Round the World Challenge’s visit to Lough Foyle. They also noted the completion of the Strategic Environmental Assessment on the introduction of a licensing regime to the Foyle and Carlingford areas for aquaculture and wild shellfisheries in compliance with the relevant EU Directive.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Corporate Plan 2011-2013 and Business Plan 2011 Ministers discussed progress on the development of the Loughs Agency Corporate Plan 2011-2013 and Business Plan 2011. Annual Report and Financial Statements Ministers noted the Loughs Agency Annual Report and draft Financial Statements for 2010 and that these will be laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas once the Financial Statements have been certified by the respective Comptrollers and Auditors General. Legislation The Council welcomed progress on the delivery of the Agency’s legislation implementation plan, approved two sets of regulations and noted that further regulations will require NSMC approval during 2011 and 2012. The Council approved for a further year, to July 2012, a procedure to support the Loughs Agency in dealing, through regulations, with emergencies such as pollution incidents. Foyle and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum Ministers agreed that the Agency should initiate a process for the appointment of the third Foyle and Carlingford Advisory Forum in line with best practice and ensuring best value for money. Sustainable Development Fund Ministers approved the arrangements for the payment of financial assistance through a small grants scheme as part of its implementation of the Marine Tourism Development Strategy.

5.2 18th North South Ministerial Council Meeting in the Aquaculture and Marine Sectoral format The eighteenth North South Ministerial Council Aquaculture and Marine meeting was held in the NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh on 14 October 2011. Ministers welcomed a progress report on the work of the Loughs Agency, presented by the Agency’s Chairperson Tarlach O Crosain and the Chief Executive, Derick Anderson.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

The Council strongly condemned continuing attacks on the Loughs Agency’s enforcement staff and on volunteer River Watchers and acknowledged their dedication in seeking to detect and prevent illegal fishing activity. Ministers discussed the improvement in length frequency of the standing stock of oysters in Lough Foyle. They noted that the 2011 salmon counts indicated relatively healthy fish runs in some systems but that there are concerns about others, specifically the River Mourne. The Council also noted and welcomed the significant progress made on the Agency’s application for INTERREG IVA funding for the Integrated Aquatic Resource Management project along with Glasgow University and Queens University Belfast. Presentation on Loughs Agency Environmental Education Programmes Ministers welcomed the presentation by the Loughs Agency on the provision of environmental education programmes and noted that such programmes facilitate excellent stakeholder engagement, particularly with young people and play an important role in changing the mindset of stakeholders about their role in managing the Foyle and Carlingford catchments and ensuring their sustainability. Procurement of MMV Ostrea – Internal Audit Investigation The Council noted with concern a report of an investigation by DARD Internal Audit into the procurement by the Loughs Agency of its monitoring vessel MMV Ostrea which had identified significant weaknesses and control issues in the management of this project. They also noted that the report found that there was no evidence of fraudulent activity, the objectives of the project were achieved and the finished vessel provides value for money in terms of the current market value of the vessel and its capacity for operational effectiveness. Ministers endorsed the actions taken, and the additional controls requested by the FCILC Board and noted that progress on the implementation of the actions arising from the Internal Audit Report will be reported at the next NSMC Aquaculture and Marine meeting.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Business Plan 2012 Ministers noted progress on the preparation of the Loughs Agency Business Plan 2012 and that the Sponsor Departments will continue to work together with the Agency to finalise the Plan and that it will be brought forward for approval before the end of 2011. Legislation Ministers welcomed the progress on the delivery of the Loughs Agency’s, Legislation Implementation Plan, approved one set of regulations and noted that further regulations will require NSMC approval in 2012.

6. Foyle and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum 17

January

2011

March

2011

April

2011

August

2011

September

2011

November

2011

Salmon and Inland Fisheries and Environmental Focus Group. Armagh City Hotel Foyle and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum. Armagh City Hotel Salmon and Inland Fisheries and Environmental Focus Group. Loughs Agency Carlingford Salmon and Inland Fisheries and Environmental Focus Group. Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh Foyle and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum. Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh Salmon and Inland Fisheries and Environmental Focus Group. Armagh City Hotel

Minutes of the above meetings are available on the Agency website www.loughs-agency.org The final meeting of the second Advisory Forum was held on 21st September and the Agency expressed its gratitude for their input and advice over their 5 year term. The focus groups will continue to meet until the third Advisory Forum has been recruited. The recruitment process has been initiated using the Public Appointments Service and the only cost incurred by the Agency will be for advertising.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

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

Derick Anderson Chief Executive John Pollock

John McCartney

Gerard Mills

Barry Fox

Director of Corporate Services

Director of Conservation and Protection

Director of Development

Director of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

CareCall The Loughs Agency has a corporate responsibility for the mental health and well being of its staff and where possible assist our staff where issues are affecting their performance. As a result we have recruited the services of CareCall who provide an employee assistance programme which includes a confidential 24hour telephone counselling service, face to face counselling and a critical incident response which is used when staff are involved in an unexpected traumatic event. Pension Arrangements The Agency is funding a review of its Pension Arrangements. A 1st draft of a Green Book Economic Appraisal has considered the options and recommended that the Agency take the necessary steps to join the North South Pension Scheme. Discussion was initiated with the Sponsor Departments, Departments of Finance and the North/South Bodies CEO’s Pension Committee. It is proposed to bring forward a paper for NSMC approval at a future Aquaculture and Marine Sectoral meeting.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

8: 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. These included in-house training and training provided by external organisations, in the following areas: Manual Handling; Media training; National Examination Board in Occupational in Safety and Health (NEBOSH); Fire Safety and Fire Warden Training; Various courses led by the Equality Commission – including Article 55, sex equality, disability in the work place and age equality; Customer Care; Safety and Rescue from the British Canoe Union; HR Management Systems; NIACRO training on the fair recruitment of people with criminal convictions; Economic Appraisal training; IT Security and risk management; Chainsaw Operator training; waste water collection systems and discharge consents; trailer towing; CSR (Construction Skills Register) training; Freedom Of Information training; Practical Tender Evaluation; Project Management; Field Research Skills; Free Passage of Fish Water Management; Energy Management; Environmental Impact Assessment; Human Resource Management; Trade Union Representative; Environmental Management; Pollution Investigation Training; CISCO IT Network training; Health and Wellbeing training; All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) training; and Geographic Information System training workshop. The Agency has continued to develop its essential field training and various course were undertaken in 2011, including: Fire Fighting at Sea; Personal Survival Techniques; Emergency First Aid Aboard Ship; Radio Operators Certifications; Powerboat training; Navigation training; First Aid at work; Dingy Sailing; and Outboard engine maintenance.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

9. Education and Interpretive Centre “Riverwatch” The Agency’s outreach work focused through the Agency’s Interpretive Centre “Riverwatch” has welcomed over 115,000 visitors since it opened in 2002 and has significantly raised the profile of the fisheries, marine and environmental resources demonstrating the vulnerability of these resources. In 2011, the number of visitors was just over 17,500. We have achieved this level of visits through a portfolio of outreach programmes, effective marketing and promotion campaigns and the comprehensive calendar of events scheduled at Riverwatch. One of the main highlights in 2011 was ‘’Ascarium Aquarium” in which we were partnered by other conservation and environmental groups such as the RSPB, Belfast Zoo, TACT and Derry City Council Biodiversity Officer and the 3 day event attracted around 2,000 visitors. We continued to develop our range of education programmes with schools. In 2011 we partnered with ILEX (the Urban Regeneration Company in Derry ~Londonderry) and the British Council in the Rivers of the World project with 6 local schools. Their work was displayed outside the Tate Modern in London and viewed by around 800,000 visitors to the Thames Festival. We also developed an extended schools programme with 5 primary schools in the Strabane District Council area where pupils stayed after normal school hours to learn about their local environment. River Foyle Clean-up The Loughs Agency in partnership with Derry City Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and several local businesses including Sainsbury’s, McDonald’s and the City Hotel took part in a clean-up event along the River Foyle. The event was a great success with a total of 3 lorry loads of rubbish being retrieved from the mud including bikes, scooters, shopping trolleys and traffic cones. Oireachtas Committee Visit The Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, Dominic Hannigan, visited the Agency on 24 August 2011. He was provided with information on the functions and operations of the Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Agency and was given a tour of the Agency’s headquarters. Inland Fisheries Ireland The Agency hosted the IFI Board meeting at our Headquarters on 29th September and gave presentations on our status reports and the work on the oyster fishery. We hope that this will form the basis for developing further links and partnership agreements with IFI in the future. IBIS Project with SCENE University of Glasgow and Queens University Belfast Integrated Aquatic Resource Management between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland (IBIS). The Agency as Lead Partner with the University of Glasgow and Queens University Belfast had applied to INTERREG IVA for funding. We have been informed that we have been successful and are awaiting our formal Letter of Offer. The total Grant is £6,017,968, and the Project aims to deliver 12 PhD, 34 Master of Research students, develop 9 Continuous Personal Development courses (and deliver 16) plus the delivery of 12 Knowledge Transfer workshops between now and June 2015. This will deliver 70 years of research. The project also includes the construction of a building at the University of Glasgow’s site on Loch Lomond. We are in the process of establishing an Advisory Committee which will comprise the main governmental environmental agencies in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. This is to ensure that all works undertaken are complementary to those ongoing or planned by other organisations and also to give these organisations an opportunity to develop partnerships through collaborative projects which they may wish to propose and become involved in. We are also keen to encourage community and stakeholder involvement and would intend canvassing these for project ideas particularly through the Loughs Agency Advisory Forum but we are also exploring other options. The ethos of IBIS is ensuring that the work undertaken is applied and will be used to protect and enhance the environment and also aid in economic development in an environmentally sustainable manner within the INTERREG IV programme area.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

The data generated will be given back to the statutory agencies, communities and stakeholders in the most appropriate format which will be delivered through CPD courses and Knowledge Transfer workshops. Currently 5 PhDs have been advertised and are being shortlisted: • Electronic tagging of Atlantic salmon in the Foyle (UoG) • Life history investigations of eel (UoG) • Life history investigations of sea trout (UoG) • Developing science-based management strategies for improving yield of mussels in benthic cultivation (QUB) • Developing science-based management strategies for environmental and commercial sustainability of native oysters (QUB) These PhDs will aid the Agency in achieving its corporate aims and objectives including our business and corporate targets. They will also aid in supplying high quality information for the formulation and development of legislation and environmentally sustainable economic development of the Foyle, Carlingford and INTERREG IV Programme area.

10. Conservation and Protection Salmon and Inland Fisheries The salmon fisheries of Ireland and indeed the North Atlantic have been in decline, due in large part to declining sea survival for a number of years. The two International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) index rivers on the island have seen the numbers of adult salmon returning from their sea migration drop dramatically, the River Bush Co Antrim from 40% in the late 80’s to 3.5% in 2009 and the Burrishoole River, Co Mayo to 8.2% in the same year. Against this background the Agency, while significantly rationalising the harvesting of the returning salmon by both commercial and recreational fishermen, has been concentrating its efforts on maximising the production of juvenile salmon during their freshwater phase. The productivity of river systems is fundamentally linked to the instream habitat that is available but also linked to the water quality, the ability of salmon to access the habitat, the control of legal exploitation and the protection of the adults trying to reach the spawning beds in the upper reaches of the rivers from poaching and predation. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Like all biological systems, empirical information is difficult to establish and therefore monitoring data sets over a long period is the best approach to management and specifically the evidence based management we strive for. The Agency has established what we call a number of “audit points” to establish these data sets some of which now extend for more than 10 years, indeed one goes back to 1952. As indicated earlier the instream habitat is fundamental to the productivity of salmon and the Agency has detailed GIS records for 5161km of rivers in Foyle and 489km in Carlingford. This monitoring work fulfils the obligations of the EU Water Framework Directive, in the delivery of which we partner Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Sea survival of Atlantic Salmon has dropped from levels in excess of 30% as recently as the 1990s to 3 to 4% currently. This is demonstrated on the table below, which represents the number of adults recorded at our fish counters over the past six years. River system

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

*Management target

River Finn

3278

2059

2153

1421

1928

5410

River Mourne

3714

3508

8410

2303

1342

7859

River Faughan

1226

604

831

1825

995

800

River Roe

5375

4927

3064

3837

2652

1833

*Note: Management target is the conservation limit set for each river by the Agency and its scientific advisers following NASCO (North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization) and ICES (International Council for the Exploration

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

of the Sea) guidance. To address this very concerning situation the Agency has undertaken extensive consultation with fisheries owners, Angling Clubs and Associations and other interests, in all cases encouraging them to maximise the conservation of those fish which do make it back to the rivers. A declaration has been issued suspending commercial salmon fishing in Lough Foyle and the tidal Foyle and the initial issue of carcass tags to anglers has been restricted to one blue and five black. Blue carcass tags are issued between January and the end of May each year for the spring salmon run and black carcass tags are issued from June to the end of the season for the summer grilse run. The graphs below for the River Roe and River Finn are a precursor for the development of Conservation Indices for the rivers in the catchment which we hope will provide a management tool taking into account all of the audit points we monitor, not just the fish counters. This is a target in our Corporate Plan.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

In addition to this information the Agency also monitors and tests water quality in the smaller water courses of the catchments which supplements the statutory sampling undertaken by NIEA and EPA. These data sets are published annually in Catchment Status Reports, and we are pleased to report we are well on target to achieve the requirements of the Corporate and Business Plans to publish these by the end of July each year. They include recommendations for work to be undertaken and are provided to the fisheries interests (clubs, fishery owners and others) as the basis for discussion on which work should be prioritised. This work generally takes the form of habitat reinstatement and during 2011 over 14 projects were agreed with the stakeholders and delivered. Some are already demonstrating success such as redd reinstatement on the River Finn, where field staff recorded redds in two areas in which there were no previous records. Perhaps one of the most positive outputs from this work and the partnerships approach we try to deliver was the success of the Blacksessiagh Regeneration Group, (a group of riparian owners and farmers in the Omagh Area) who won second place in a national competition run by the Wild Trout Trust for the

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

reinstatement work they undertook and received an Orvis Conservation Award. Enforcement Throughout the 2011 season, the levels of violence against and intimidation of staff have continued to grow although on a more sporadic basis. The more recent attacks have again been on the upper Foyle and staff will be preparing files for prosecution for assault and obstruction against individuals. The violence has also been seen at Sion Mills where masked men recently attacked a patrol of Private River Watchers from the Sion Mills Angling Club. This matter continues to be investigated by PSNI. The Agency is grateful for the professionalism of both the PSNI and An Garda Síochána and thanks them for their assistance and support. The Agency also owes a debt of gratitude to the 70 plus Private River Watchers who have assisted in patrolling the Mourne, Strule, Derg, Roe, Finn, Whitewater, Clanrye and Faughan Rivers. With the suspension of commercial fishing for salmon and banning of the sale of rod caught salmon, poaching continues to be a major concern for the Agency. The table below shows the seizures that have been made in the last two years and 2011. 2009

2010

2011

Rods

Boats and vehicles

Nets

127

138

161

In 2011, Agency staff dealt with 54 rod related offences, and 44 seizures. Agency protection staff also seized 161 illegal nets, 12 boats, 36 bags of oysters, 2 cars as well as various other items including knives, balaclava masks and batons. The Board and the Agency would wish to acknowledge the support given to our field staff by the Ministerial visits to Prehen by Minister O’Neill and Carlingford by Minister O’Dowd. We also appreciate the meeting arranged by Minister O’Neill with the Minister of Justice and the Chief Constable of the PSNI. Agency staff are following up with the relevant officials as a result of these meetings, but perhaps more important is the positive effect of these Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

actions on the morale of Agency field staff. In the oyster fishery the Agency protection staff took the first series of cases to the courts under the new 0yster fishing Regulations. The initial cases have been successful, but are scheduled for appeal. Summary 2011 Fish Counts from Loughs Agency Fish Counter Programme

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Environmental Issues The Loughs Agency has received an increased number of consultations related to planning applications and licences for run of river hydro electric schemes. These schemes on top of the normal planning, licensing and discharge consent issues are taking up enormous amounts of staff time. Agency staff gave evidence at the Public Enquiry into the A5 Road scheme which was well received. The outcome of the enquiry was published at the end of 2011 and is available on the Department of Regional Development website. An Board Pleanala approved a controversial sewage treatment plant in Moville. The decision to grant planning permission comes after a two-day oral hearing in Redcastle Hotel in June 2009 which Agency staff gave independent scientific evidence to. As part of the Donegal County Council development, four pumping stations will also be sited at Carrickarory, Carnagarve and Greencastle Pier with the main treatment plant at Carnagarve also. A pumping station at Glenburnie was denied planning permission on amenity / environmental protection grounds. Loughs Agency Conservation and Protection staff in association with the Institute of Fishery Management (IFM) in Northern Ireland hosted a one-day information session on the issue of siltation from roads schemes on November 16th in the Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford, Co Louth. The event included speakers from Loughs Agency, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Inland Fisheries Ireland, DOE (NI) Road Service and fisheries consultants. The event was a huge success with participants from the above Agencies, as well as the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NI) Rivers Agency, Electricity Supply Board (Fisheries Division), angling groups, Ballinderry fish hatchery, River Bush salmon station, and the Agri-Food Biosciences Institute. The Loughs Agency participated at the ‘Salmon Summit’ held in La Rochelle, France in October 2011. The corner stone message of the conference was very alarming. It was agreed by all scientists that wild Atlantic salmon are dying at sea in alarming numbers. Southern stocks, including some in North America

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

and Europe, are threatened with extinction. The Loughs Agency must ensure that it continues with its work in combating poaching and pollution as well as ensuring that issues of habitat restoration and preventing barriers to migration are addressed if the species is to survive. On the environmental protection front, Agency staff have dealt with 134 pollution incidents, and taken 11 sets of statutory samples. In each case, staff successfully convicted every individual or company that had caused a fish kill by pollution in the Foyle area the previous year, with some difficult cases proven in the courts as a result of detailed and sound investigation by the field staff. 9 fish kill pollution incidents were detected and investigated in 2010 with 7 leading to successful prosecution 2 of which were major and three minor fish kills and the 2 remaining were successfully brought before the courts in 2011. So far this year 5 incidents have been recorded and are being processed for prosecution.

11. Aquaculture and Shellfisheries Again in this area the Agency has adopted an evidence based management approach which is fully compliant with EU Directives and the strategy developed for the bottom grown mussel sector in the “Rising Tide” report. The time series of our data for the sea loughs is shorter than the data available for freshwater but the baseline information is highly accurate due to the undertaking of independent surveys by our expert science team and Loughs Agency’s procurement of our new monitoring vessel, MMV Ostrea. The Agency is gathering important information on an annual basis to ensure management decisions are based on accurate information and science. Strategic Environmental Assessment The data series for sea loughs has informed the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), which has been completed by AECOM on behalf of the Loughs Agency on the introduction of a licensing regime to the Foyle and Carlingford areas for aquaculture and wild shellfisheries in compliance with EU Directive 2001/42/EC.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

The Agency has, in tandem with the SEA, been engaged in the development of an overall strategy specifically for the regulation and development of aquaculture and shellfisheries and proposed mechanisms to bring forward an environmentally sustainable system of management. In addition three Appropriate Assessments have been undertaken. •

Appropriate Assessment of the introduction of Regulations to license marine aquaculture and wild shellfisheries within Lough Foyle and the transfer of licensing of freshwater aquaculture within the Foyle system.

•

Appropriate Assessment for the introduction of Regulations to license marine aquaculture and wild shellfisheries within Carlingford Lough and the transfer of licensing of freshwater aquaculture within the Carlingford area.

•

A test of likely significance and an Appropriate Assessment of the introduction of Regulations for the native oyster fishery on Natura 2000 sites within Lough Foyle.

All three of these processes (SEA / Strategy / AA) have been feeding into each other so that recommendations and options from one can be taken forward e.g. options identified in the SEA have been included in the Strategy document. The SEA is now complete. The Environmental Report has been completed and publicly consulted on with 33 formal responses recorded. These have been considered and the final Environmental Statement was completed at December 2010 and the Appropriate Assessments are being treated as live documents that are updated as and when necessary. MMV Ostrea The MMV Ostrea undertook a number of surveys and sampling duties during 2011. The vessel experienced a prolonged period of downtime from late July through to November due to difficulties in sourcing a turbo for one of the engines. A supplier has now been identified if any future issues of this nature arise. It is anticipated that the Ostrea will be utilised by students completing PhDs and MScs through the IBIS Project during 2012 to conduct field surveys linked to the students’ study areas. The vessel will also be used over the spring period of 2012 to identify suitable areas for enhancement works in the native oyster fishery in Lough Foyle. It is hoped that this enhancement work will be

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

started in early summer 2012. The Audit Investigation Report into the procurement of the MMV Ostrea has now been published and is available on the DARD website. The recommendations derived from the Audit Report have been implemented by the Agency and are monitored by the Board of the Loughs Agency at each of their meetings. Management Agreement The Agency is unable to report any further progress towards the finalisation of a management agreement for Lough Foyle. The Agency, at the request of the Board, has written to Ministers on the matter and it is hoped that progress will be made during 2012. Native Oyster Fishery The 2010-2011 native oyster fishing season began on Monday 20th September. 46 vessels received licences to operate in the fishery this year, an increase of 10 vessels from the 2009-2010 season. The Agency has increased the minimum landing size in the fishery from 75mm to 80mm. It is hoped that this will help improve spawning stock biomass and also improve the overall quality of the oysters being landed. Reported landings in the fishery for the season are in the region of 112 tonnes. The Agency restricted fishing on the area known as the Bottom of the Southside Bed due to the presence of heavy infection with Bonamia Ostrea and evidence of 30-40% mortalities in the stock on this bed with some areas within the beds experiencing up to 90% mortalities. The Agency has consulted with Bonamia experts on the best management approach to adopt in dealing with these mortalities. The Agency will monitor this area over the summer months and based on a stock assessment will decide if it will open for the 2011/12 oyster fishing season. Population statistics from the fishery suggest that the proportion of each length class has changed dramatically since the 2006 baseline survey carried out by CEFAS. There was very poor representation of the length classes above 75mm in the surveys from 2006-2008. However, this has steadily changed over the past 3 years and it is possible that the regulation of fishing activity by the Agency is having a positive impact on the numbers of larger oysters remaining Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

in the fishery and recruiting into the larger size classes. Many of the reports produced on the Lough Foyle native oyster fishery in the past 19 years have produced recommendations such as those listed below. • • •

Closure of poor quality beds or areas of good spatfall; Construction of spatting ponds for re-stocking of underperforming beds; Introduction of shell cultch onto beds to encourage spatfalls.

The introduction of regulations by the Loughs Agency to license fishermen in Lough Foyle in 2008 was a first step to achieving these recommendations. The decision to declare part of the Southside oyster bed closed to fishing in September 2010 and the increase in minimum landing size from 75mm to 80mm were further steps towards managing this fishery in a sustainable manner with evidence-based decision making. The Agency would hope that by involving stakeholders in the development of management plans and regulatory changes, and working towards the development of cooperative systems for fishermen in the Foyle Oyster Fishery, a new sense of ownership of the fishery will develop and lead to better, sustainable, utilisation of this unique natural resource. In the latter part of the year, the Agency issued 51 licences for the 2011/12 oyster fishing season. The season commenced on the 19th September at 6am and the majority of licensed vessels took part. Two vessels were observed fishing prior to the opening time and prosecution files are currently being prepared. The Native Oyster fishery in Lough Foyle produced some102.354 tonnes up to and including the 07/01/12. This figure is in keeping with past years average for the beginning of January. Oyster Stock Dynamics and Autumn Survey The survey shows a gradual increase in the number of age classes represented in the fishery likely to be related to the reduction in fishing effort since we introduced our regulations. There was very little evidence of any oysters above 75mm in 2006 when Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) surveyed the fishery; there is now good consistent evidence of oysters up to and above 100mm in the fishery. The Southside bed that was

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

closed by order in 2010/11 season looks a lot healthier than it did this time last year with 15% of the stock above 80mm, 30% is less than 40mm which is a very good sign that recruitment was very successful last summer, possibly as fishing mortality was so low due to the closure. The area was reopened to fishing this season and the overall density and tonnage has increased due to the heavy spatfall in 2010 and on growth of stock. The Perch bed also looks to have a very good quantity of market size stock and the outlook is good for the fishery. Below you will see the improvement in the stock dynamics of the fishery which shows an increase in the standing spawning stock and the highest recorded number of year classes recorded in the fishery since surveying began.

The findings from the autumn survey have shown that the stock of oysters has increased in comparison to the autumn 2010 and spring 2011 assessments. The major finding from this report was the recording of more age classes in the fishery than have been recorded in any previous surveys; the presence of good numbers of oysters in the juvenile age classes is positive. The overall length frequency for the stock shows that age classes have progressed from 2010 and the vast majority of the stock is now above 50mm in size. If these age classes continue to recruit into the fishery this should lead to continued fishable stock in the coming few years. There is no further evidence that Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

oysters are dying or have recently suffered heavy mortality from disease on the Southside Bed as was the case in autumn 2010 and spring 2011. Following on from this survey a number of recommendations have been put forward to try and enhance and develop this fishery. They include the turning of cultch and the introduction of fresh shell to promote settlement of juvenile oysters into areas that were historically productive. The Agency is hoping with the help of the IBIS Project to initiate some of these projects in 2012 with a view to increasing the productivity of this fishery. Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough Status Reports The 2011 Status Reports for Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough were completed and are available on the Agency’s website. These reports aim to monitor the major issues affecting the aquatic environment and fishery resources of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough. It is anticipated that circulation of this report will encourage debate between stakeholders and the Loughs Agency. Feedback is welcomed and will contribute towards future reports. The fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford systems are of great environmental, social and economic importance. The status reports provide background information on the aquatic environment within the loughs, present the results of survey work carried out by the Loughs Agency, disseminate catch statistics and outline planned action. Activities that have the potential to impact negatively on the aquatic environment, fishery resources and the habitats that support these populations are outlined and remedial activities presented. Bird Surveys The Agency has developed a bird survey protocol for Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough and has begun surveying in Carlingford Lough. The next stage will be to roll out this survey to Lough Foyle. This will be done in the first instance by an MSc student through the IBIS project. The information generated from these surveys will be used to inform and update the Agency’s Appropriate Assessments for the two sea Loughs.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

An Appropriate Assessment must be carried out before an Aquaculture licence can be granted or renewed, as is required by Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive (1992) which defines how Natura 2000 sites are managed and protected. The avian data which exists currently is insufficient for use as an indicator of the interactions between waterbirds and aquaculture activity. Supporting data is needed in order to bring the aquaculture sector into compliance with the Habitats Directive. Additional information is needed on the distribution of waterbirds (with particular attention to protected species), the abundance and assemblage of waterbirds and interactions between aquaculture and waterbirds. Comparing data from aquaculture sites with non-cultivated areas in will allow for assessments to be made of how water bird populations may affect or be affected by aquaculture activity on Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle. The study follows the template laid out in “Waterbird Surveys within Irish Coastal Special Protection Area: Survey Methods and Guidance Notes” (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2011). However, completion of this survey will require surveying of sites in the summer months in addition to the winter months required by NPWS. A few other requirements specific to the needs of Loughs Agency have also been added. The IBIS project has funded a taught Masters Student to work on this project during the project as part of their MSc. They will investigate how shore based aquaculture affects bird densities and assemblages on the shore of Carlingford Lough. The project will run from April 2012 until August 2012 and will run concurrently with the existing Loughs Agency survey. Seed Mussel Surveys Seed mussel surveys were completed in both Carlingford and Foyle in spring and summer 2011 prior to the opening of the seed mussel fisheries around the coast. Unfortunately no new mussel seed settlements were identified in either Lough. A small quantity of half grown mussels was recorded on the mussel seed bed in Lough Foyle. Mussel seed was sourced mainly from the Irish Sea beds once more in 2011 to stock the mussel lays in Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Sanitary Survey of Carlingford Lough The Agency coordinated the compilation of a sanitary survey report for shellfish Production Areas in Carlingford Lough on behalf of the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland (FSANI) and the Sea Fishery Protection Authority (SFPA) in Ireland. This cross border collaborative project has created an inventory of contamination sources in the Carlingford catchment and assesses the fate of these contaminants in relation to shellfish production areas within the Lough. This project will ensure that the statutory bacteriological testing is representative and it will ensure contamination issues are dealt with on a cross border basis in future. Shellfish Hygiene Sampling 2011 The Loughs Agency collects shellfish samples for the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland (FSANI), Food Standards Agency Ireland (FSAI) and Sea Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA) from agreed shellfish production areas on Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle. Samples are collected to test for two types of contamination; Biotoxin contamination and E. coli or microbiological contamination. In addition to the shellfish samples, water samples are also collected which detect biotoxin producing phytoplankton in the water column. Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle remain microbiological classification B in 2011 based on the 2010 results. In 2011 Loughs Agency took over sampling of native oysters in Lough Foyle from SFPA. Samples are taken to test for levels of biotoxin in the shellfish flesh. A Memorandum of Understanding is in preparation between SFPA, FSAI and Loughs Agency which it is hoped will result in all shellfish hygiene sampling of all species of shellfish in Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle being undertaken by Loughs Agency. This MOU should be ready for agreement late April 2012. ROV Underwater Camera Surveys The Agency has once again used its underwater camera ROV to assess the mussel and oyster stocks in both sea loughs in 2011. This work will form

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

baseline imagery that will be used both to classify shellfish habitat types visually and also as a marker to identify change to the habitats as a result of natural degradation or improvement after habitat improvement/reinstatement works by the Agency. The Agency is currently concentrating its efforts on native oyster beds which have seen a large decrease in production in the past 10 years with a view to addressing the factors driving this decline and reversing them where practicable to do so. This work and the surveys of native oysters and seed mussels were undertaken by our new monitoring vessel, the MMV Ostrea. With the training, familiarity and experience already gained the vessel is becoming a more and more important element of the Agency’s resources for the management, conservation and development of sustainable aquaculture and shellfisheries. Bonamia Ostreae Infection in Lough Foyle The Agency continues to monitor oyster beds in Lough Foyle to identify the extent of the spread of Bonamia. Monthly samples are being taken to monitor infection levels. This is being done collaboratively with University College Cork. The latter part of 2011 has not identified any significant mortality in the fishery. This is cautiously viewed as a positive sign. Monitoring Native Oyster Spawning Native oyster spawning was monitored weekly on six oyster beds within the Lough Foyle oyster fishery from June-September 2011. Environmental conditions were also recorded at these locations as was native oyster larval densities. This information will be used to inform any enhancement works conducted within the fishery. This works may involve habitat creation/restoration in the form of cultch cleaning/laying projects to encourage spatfalls that are being limited by the availability of suitable settlement substrates or they may take the form of broodstock protection or consolidation on parts of some oyster beds.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

12. Marine Tourism and Angling Development In pursuance of the continuing implementation of the Marine Tourism and Angling Development Strategies the Agency is working with stakeholders in developing and promoting Angling and Marine Tourism projects and events. These are reflected in the outputs of the annual Business Plan. INTERREG IV Project An application was submitted to the Interreg IV programme in September 2007. The project was entitled “Development of the Marine Tourism, Water Based Leisure and Angling Tourism Products in the Foyle and Carlingford Sea Areas and Water Catchments”. The value of that application was in excess of €20 million but was reduced to €4 million through a revision exercise and liaison with the programme body. Site works commenced late 2011 in Derry~Londonderry for a marine event platform (a large pontoon) and city centre cruise ship quay. These two projects will considerably enhance the marine tourism resource of Derry~Londonderry. These facilities will form the centre piece of the “Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race” in July 2012 and add to City of Culture the following year. Other projects include vehicular access along the road to Malin Head and a footpath to a viewing platform, boat access at Inishtrahull, angling projects on the Strule and the Foyle, beach facilities at Benone and boat access to the River Foyle. Angling Fair The Loughs Agency angling fair was held in May, at Newtownstewart, County Tyrone. Nearly 4,000 visitors took advantage of an opportunity to learn more about the Agency’s work and about angling, learning from fly tyers and casting experts of international renown. Promotional Shows and Market Development The Agency continues to attend high profile angling shows throughout the island of Ireland, Great Britain and on the continent. Having attended a show in Holland last year, the Agency reached into the German market in 2011,

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

attending an angling fair near Munich. The Loughs Agency remains a partner in Cruise North West, a project aimed at raising the profile of the Foyle area to cruise ship operators. Licence Sales Year

Licence Sales

2003

8,518

2004

9,727

2005

10,779

2006

10,564

2007

11,831

2008

11,980

2009

12,579

2010

11,305

2011

11,057

While our licence sales have risen from 8,518 in 2003 to 12,579 in 2009 the drop in 2010 may well be due to the current economic climate, although weather conditions and the introduction of catch and release on the Rivers Foyle and Finn may well have contributed. Carlingford Oyster Festival & Heritage Week The Agency, with Louth County Council and Failte Ireland have supported the Annual Carlingford Oyster Festival and also Carlingford Heritage week. Shore and hill foraging, medieval arts and crafts were very popular amongst children and young people and reports are that visitor numbers were up on last year. The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI) Junior team. The Agency agreed to a small contribution for the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland’s (NCFFI) juvenile team to participate in the Celtic Cup competition held in August in Scotland. The team were successful in winning the competition and bringing home the Celtic Cup trophy. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Camlough Masterplan Newry and Mourne District Council in partnership with the Loughs Agency and other stakeholders have completed a draft Masterplan for Camlough Lake which maps the way forward for the development of the lake for mixed recreational use. The Plan is a long term one, with community and stakeholder engagement at its core. The Agency will continue to work with the Council and stakeholders in bringing the Plan forward and assist with seeking funds to implement it. Omeath Environment Improvement Scheme Following an approach from Louth County Council and Omeath Tidy Towns a small improvement scheme has now been implemented at the seafront in Omeath. The project took place in two phases with the Agency supporting phase one and Louth Leader and Omeath Tidy Towns supporting phase two. The scheme was developed from within the community and gained great support from the residents of the area with Louth County Council developing the design and tendering process as well as supervising the construction. The next phase of the programme has been designed and the Agency is working with the project partners in identifying a means of supporting its implementation. King of the Canal 25 anglers from all over Northern Ireland have participated in the ‘King of the Canal’ competition on Newry Ship Canal. Early reports were that no one caught less than 50 fish with bream numbers well up on previous years which the Agency hopes is reflective of the 3-year stocking policy completed in 2010. All fish were safely returned to the Canal as part of the competition’s rules to protect and conserve coarse fish as well as complying with legislation. Practice for the European Police and Fire Service The Agency supported the practice for the European Police and Fire Service Games which took place on Newry Ship Canal in August. The Garda Síochána National Team went on to participate in the European Police and Fire Service Games in Holland which they won amidst strong competition out of 25 teams

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

in total. Carlingford Coastal Path Preliminary assessment survey has been completed by Louth County Council for a 6 mile coastal path from Greer’s Quay in Omeath to Greenore. The Water Services Section of Louth County Council have agreed to take the new water main from Cooley to Omeath along the old railway line. The plan is to let the cycle and walking path ’piggy back’ onto the route once all landownership has been agreed. The project has been identified by Louth County Council as one of its key strategic aims in its Economic Plan. The date for completion of the work is 2014. Mourne Signature Project / Mourne Coastal Route Three sites along the Mourne Coastal route at Ross Monument, Mill Bay and Narrow Water are now almost complete. Other sites are Whitewater and Donaghaguy. A series of Coastal route ‘brown and white’ signs will be installed to guide visitors along the Mourne Coastal Route. The project, supported by Northern Ireland Tourist Board, is estimated to cost £370,000. This project is the product of a partnership between Loughs Agency, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Mourne Heritage Trust, and Newry and Mourne District Council. Newry Ship Canal Parking A further two lay-byes have now been installed along Newry Canal which brings the total to four. Early discussions with Department for Regional Development Roads Service have taken place and plans for further site identification are underway in 2012. East Inishowen Sea Kayak Trail Following on from the development of canoe trails in Carlingford Lough and the River Foyle, the Agency applied in-house resources to develop the East Inishowen Sea Kayak Trail. This has been very well received by the activity tourism sector. The East Inishowen Sea Kayak Trail runs from the outskirts of the walled city of Derry~Londonderry around the coastline of the Inishowen peninsula to Malin Head, the most northerly point on the Irish mainland. The trail guide is innovative, incorporating sea charts and narrative that details Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

things to see and do, as well as kayaking tips.

Access to the River Foyle at Prehen The Agency partnered with Derry City Council to complete enhancement works at the public slipway at Prehen aimed at improving access to the river for boat users. Support to Marine Tourism Stakeholders The Agency continues to assist water based leisure clubs with delivery of their events. For instance, on-shore infrastructure and safety boats were provided for a national GP14 sailing event and a safety boat accompanied Moville based Foyle Punt Association on a row from Islay to Greencastle. Visitor Monitoring Visitor monitoring figures at two of the sites along the Mourne Coastal Route have been collected. A counter was placed at Narrow Water from 21st April to 30th August 2011 and also a thermal sensor was placed at the entrance to Narrow Water Park Area on the 21st April 2011. This equipment when calibrated and validated will be vital to the “audit” of the delivery of our marine tourism function of the Carlingford area and after a period of deployment will provide comparative figures.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Appendix 1 - Outturn Against Targets Priorities, Objectives & Targets For 2011 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 Achieved – Fourteen Status published annually by July of the Reports covering seventeen year following. catchments have been prepared and published on the Loughs Agency website. In 2011 paper copies were also circulated to angling associations for comment and feedback. A key aim of the series of catchment status reports is to contribute towards engagement and communication with stakeholders with regards to the monitoring and conservation actions conducted and to develop conservation and protection partnerships across all catchments.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

1.1.2

Stock Indices – Initiate research to develop stock indices for each of the sub catchments by January 2011.

Achieved – commenced in October 2010 where initial work was undertaken of the data by the Agency’s scientific advisors. At the next meeting in February 2011 it was recommended that due to the level of work involved to deliver on this it should form the basis of an MRes project through IBIS. Due to late award of the IBIS letter of offer this has been unavoidably delayed. However, the MRes was agreed for advertisement at the IBIS Management Board meeting in May 2012 for delivery in 2013.

1.1.3

Still Water Status Reports Reports published annually by July of the year following.

Partly Achieved – Water Framework Directive compliant surveys have been undertaken on Loughs Carn, Ash, Muck and Mourne. Writing up is dependent on the fish classification tool being fully developed and being made available. Consultation with stakeholders ongoing.

1.2.1

Regulation – We will provide appropriate regulation to deliver Statutory obligations and review effectiveness of regulations by end of January 2011 and provide draft amendments, revocation or new regulations by end of June 2011.

Achieved – An internal review was completed by January 2011. Draft amendments for consultation were submitted to the Sponsor Departments in the allocated time frames. The regulatory process is governed by the North South Ministerial Council.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

1.2.2

Reinstatement - We will undertake the development of 2 reinstatement projects by December 2011.

Achieved – reinstatement projects completed mainly in the upper Strule with other projects completed through the Foyle catchment.

1.2.3

Enforcement – We will continue to carry out enforcement duties in line with the published policy and the principles of better regulation throughout 2011.

Achieved – all prosecution files in 2011 have been submitted within the appropriate time scales. A training programme for Private River Watchers was delivered for 70+ volunteers. Training and briefing have been delivered to police services.

1.3.1

Salmon – to achieve compliance with management targets for each of the river systems by December 2011.

Achieved – Fish counters are all functioning except Corrick which is undergoing upgrading and repair from ice damage. Sion Mills counter was repaired after ice damage in January 2011.

1.3.2

Brown Trout, Sea Trout and Coarse fish - we will establish baseline data by December 2011.

Achieved – Juvenile trout data has been gathered through extensive electrofishing surveys throughout the Foyle and Carlingford areas. These baseline data have been compiled and are available if required. Baseline data on coarse fish in a number of lakes have been gathered – Loughs Carn, Ash, Muck and Mourne.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

1.3.3

Sea Trout- We will initiate and introduce annual stock assessments by June 2011.

Partly achieved – work delayed by late start of the IBIS research project. PhD student has now been appointed and is expected to start 15th June 2012. Potential sea trout producing small streams around Inishowen were surveyed in 2011. Commenced monitoring programme in Altnaree Burn, tributary of Burndennet known for its sea trout in 2011. Supporting data on juvenile stocks for Rivers Roe, Faughan, Culdaff and Burndennet were collected.

1.3.4

Pike – we will introduce Achieved – Documents were regulatory change to protect Pike prepared for pre consultation by December 2011. scrutiny by Department of Agriculture and Rural Development legislative committee.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

PRIORITY: AQUACULTURE 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 Achieved – Data collection has published annually by July of the been completed. The Status year following. Reports are completed. This information was available in late September and the reports were issued to stakeholders and published on the Agency’s website. The evaluation and audit of aquaculture operations in the Agency’s areas has not taken place due to the lack of progress developing the Management Agreement for Lough Foyle and the delay in the transfer of current licences from DARD and DAMF.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

2.1.2

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

Partly Achieved – Data was collected and will be used once Carrying Capacity has been developed. Contact has been made with the relevant Agencies to progress the terms of reference for the development of the models. An options paper has been developed on the preferred course of action for the delivery of a model for Lough Foyle.

2.2.1

Licensing – we will establish and implement the licensing of Aquaculture in Lough Foyle and review the Aquaculture operation in Carlingford Lough by December 2011.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Not achieved – The Agency is awaiting the delivery of the Management Agreement to progress this issue.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2.2.2

Production Report – We will publish baseline generic production of all aquaculture and shellfisheries species and evaluate the sustainability of the sector by April 2011.

2011

Achieved – Surveys of the two sea loughs were completed. The ppring Oyster Survey Report had been completed and was issued to fishermen and is available on the Agency’s website. The audit of the wild oyster fishery in Lough Foyle has also been completed. There are currently no wild mussel settlements available in the sea loughs, the Agency will continue to survey twice annually for settlements. The Agency is awaiting the delivery of the Management Agreement to progress aquaculture licensing.

2.2.3

Environmental Impact – We will agree environmental monitoring parameters with partner organisations by December 2011.

Achieved – Environmental Monitoring parameters were developed and were presented to partner organisations by the end of 2011. A protocol for bird surveying to update the appropriate assessments for both sea loughs has been developed and will be delivered on an annual basis from 2012. An invasive species survey protocol has been developed and will be completed annually from 2011 in both sea loughs.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

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

Review Marine Tourism and Angling Development strategies and consult on outcome by June 2011.

Partly achieved. Draft review completed. Consulted internally. Will be brought to the Advisory Forum when re-established in 2012.

3.1.2

Status Reports on Marine Tourism and Angling Reports published annually by December 2011.

Partly achieved. Marine Tourism Status Report drafted in 2011. Publication awaiting feedback from internal consultation. An intern will be sought to assist in the delivery of Angling Status Report.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 3.1.3

Opportunity Identification by October 2011.

2011

Partly achieved. In partnership with other sectors, the Agency established a RYA recognised training centre for sail training at its premises beside the River Foyle. This filled a gap where there was no such provision in the Foyle area. The development staff have identified opportunities for future works. The Marine Tourism Status Report includes opportunities for development section. The Sustainable Development Fund will offer a mechanism to assist bottom-up development of marine tourism and angling sector opportunities.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

3.1.4

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

Achieved. Angling promotional shows were attended in England (two shows), Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Germany. Other promotional opportunities included: marine safety days at Cranfield (Carlingford area) and Greencastle (Foyle area); support for a national GP14 sailing series on Lough Foyle; safety boat support for several sailing regattas; and, boat support for a row from Islay to Inishowen. In partnership with Derry City Council and Port of Londonderry, Cruise North West continues as a body to promote the Foyle region for cruise ship visits (to the Walled City of Derry, Lisahally and Greencastle, County Donegal). Three pieces of canoe and sea kayak literature were produced utilising in-house knowledge. The pieces of work were : South East Coast Canoe Trail, Foyle Canoe Trail and East Inishowen Sea Kayak Trail. Other opportunities for promotion included support to the organisers of the Oyster Festival and Heritage Week (both Carlingford) and the attendance of National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland at the Junior Home International (coarse angling) and Senior World Championship (coarse angling).

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

3.1.5

Identify Potential Funding.

Achieved. Mourne Coastal Route opportunities were explored with Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Newry and Mourne District Council. Match funders were sought for the Foyle and South East canoe trail guides. In-kind contribution from other bodies, stakeholders and private sector was sought for many projects.

3.2.1

To utilise INTERREG Funding available.

Achieved. The Finance, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Interreg post was filled in May 2011. The development staff continue to implement the Interreg programme. Documents were exchanged with Port of Londonderry to enable appointment of contractor for two projects – city centre cruise ship berth and marine event platform pontoons. Documents have also been exchanged with Limavady Borough Council and Donegal County Council to facilitate preliminary design works for projects at Benone and Malin Head respectively.

3.2.2

Operate the Sustainable Development Fund.

Not achieved. All approvals were not in place to permit delivery of the fund. It will be rolled out in 2012.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

3.2.3

Deliver Alternative Funding.

3.3.1

Monitor and report on resources Partly achieved. Staff utilised and usage of Marine Tourism and GIS equipment to survey Angling by December 2011. resource. A visitor monitoring programme has been scoped.

3.3.2

To establish quantum of leverage Achieved. There was leverage of funds from match funders by Marine Tourism and Angling of projects (including Northern Stakeholders. Ireland Tourist Board and local authorities). The Interreg IVA programme represents full funding, being at a level of 100%. There was considerable in kind contribution from partners in the Interreg programme and other projects.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Achieved. The Loughs Agency is a 50% funder in the Carlingford area section of the Mourne Coastal Route, jointly funding this project with Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Local authority match funding assisted with production of the Foyle and South East canoe trails. Design, research and copy writing undertaken in-house for East Inishowen Sea Kayak Trail guide book. Strabane District Council matched Agency funding for a National Trails Day event on the River Foyle.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

PRIORITY: CORPORATE SERVICES 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 in line with statutory requirements and agreed timescales.

Achieved – the 2008 and 2009 Annual Reports and financial statements are laid & published. Draft 2010 Financial Statements provided to Northern Ireland Audit Office within specified guidelines. The Draft Statements have been noted by NSMC and the final draft including reference to the Audit report are with the NIAO for their consideration. The Draft Annual Report was noted by North South Ministerial Council and has been translated.

4.1.2

Review Staff and Agency policies, obtain endorsement of them, publish on the Intranet and implement by September 2011.

Achieved – Interim Policies now agreed with TUS to be implemented with effect from 1st January 2012.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

4.1.3

To improve Customer Service by agreement and implementation of customer charter and review Freedom of Information (FOI) code and publish on website by December 2011.

Achieved – Front line staff trained in customer service and the customer charter has been drafted and has been agreed with the Senior Management Team. The review of the FOI code was carried out with no amendments required. A customer service questionnaire was completed and our communications action plan is being reviewed.

4.2.1

To manage resources within the annual agreed budgets.

Achieved – Expenditure within allocated budget. Monthly management reports presented to Senior Management Team and draft 9 monthly financial statements were presented to the Agency Audit Sub Committee.

4.2.2

To measure and manage performance of the Agency

Partly Achieved – Work commenced on the development of a balanced scorecard method of performance reporting, however, implementation of the scorecard throughout the Agency was not completed. Existing performance systems continued to be used as methods of reporting to Sponsor Departments and Loughs Agency Board.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

4.2.3

To train and develop staff and supporting partners (such as Private River Watchers)

Achieved – the Agency has supported staff in the completion of courses and seminars throughout the year. Details of courses attended are contained within the Corporate Section of the 2011 Annual Report.

4.2.4

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

Achieved – Visitor numbers to the Riverwatch Centre remained steady throughout 2011 with our 100,000th visitor welcomed in March 2011.

4.3.1

To improve communication.

Achieved – the Agency initiated a review of the website and developed a new more stakeholder focussed website encompassing new sections on each of the Directorates. The target date for completion of the site is expected to be February 2012. The new customer charter was published on the Agency website. Programme of outreach activities ongoing throughout local schools and community groups.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

4.3.2

To maintain good Corporate Governance.

Achieved – 2008 and 2009 Annual Report and accounts published. 2010 Annual Report cleared by North South Ministerial Council and translated awaiting the finalisation of the 2010 accounts. Regular Audit Sub Committee meetings and Risk Management meetings held with both the Risk and Fraud Registers updated.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Gníomhaireacht Na Lochanna Tuarascáil Bhliantúil don tréimhse 1 Eanáir 2011 go 31 Nollaig 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Gníomhaireacht Na Lochanna

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais don tréimhse dar críoch 31 Nollaig 2011

Arna cur faoi bhráid Thionól Thuaisceart Éireann agus dhá Theach an Oireachtais de réir Ordú Chomhoibriú Thuaidh/Theas (Forais Forfheidhmiúcháin) (Tuaisceart Éireann) 1999 Sceideal 1, Iarscríbhinn 2, Cuid 7, Ailt 1.3 agus 2.6

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Clár Na Nábhar 1.

Forbhreathnú An Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh

Ráiteas Misin

Cuspóirí

Comhaltaí Boird

An Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas

Fóram Comhairleach Limistéir An Fheabhail Agus Chairlinn

Soláthar Foirne

Forbairt Foirne

Ionad Oideachais Agus Léirithe “Riverwatch” ”(Faire Abhann)

10.

Caomhnú Agus Cosaint

11.

Dobharshaothrú Agus Iascaigh Shliogéisc

12.

Forbairt na Turasóireachta Muirí & na Slatiascaireachta

Aguisín 1 – Táirgeacht Le Hais Spriocanna

Tosaíochtaí, Cuspóirí Agus Spriocanna 2011

Caomhnú Agus Cosaint

Dobharshaothrú

103

Forbairt

106

Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

112

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

1. Forbhreathnú an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh Tá áthas orm Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2011, ina bhfuil mionsonraí ar an obair a ghabh an Ghníomhaireacht de lámh le linn na bliana, a chur i láthair. Caomhnú agus Coimirce Tá an Ghníomhaireacht tiomanta go fóill do bhainistiú bunaithe ar fhianaise acmhainní limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn agus chuige sin foilsíodh 14 thuairisc stádais ar dhobharcheantair agus 2 thuairisc stádais ar lochanna mara le linn na bliana. Tá siad seo ar fáil ar láithreán gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta agus ina measc tá meastacháin ar líon na n-iasc, measúnú ar na saincheisteanna timpeallachta théann i bhfeidhm orthu agus gníomhartha a moladh don tréimhse ina dhiaidh sin. Thug siad seo eolas d’fhorbairt leanúnach pholasaí na Gníomhaireachta ar a n-áirítear an Polasaí Forfheidhmithe, an Polasaí um Bhaic ar Imirce agus Stocáil agus shainaithin siad limistéir sna dobharcheantair arbh fhiú an ghnáthóg a fheabhsú iontu. Cuireadh 12 de na scéimeanna seo i gcrích i rith na bliana agus mórán acu i bpáirt le dreamanna áitiúla agus le bruachfheirmeoirí. Is tosaíocht de chuid na Gníomhaireachta go fóill é forfheidhmiú na sraithe Rialúchán atá againn agus i rith na bliana faoi Mheán Fómhair sciob foireann na Gníomhaireachta leo 147 líon mídhleathach, 109 iasc, 38 slat, 10 bád, bata, casúr agus gléasraí eile bainteacha, ar a n-áirítear líonta cluana a bhfuil duáin iontu, plainc le tairní agus ábhair eile agus trealamh ag baint leis. Tá 5 mhála Oisrí sciobtha ag iascach na nOisrí agus tá siad ag déanamh réidh roinnt comhaid cháis dár ndlíodóirí le meabhrú. Phléigh an fhoireann le 62 teagmhas truaillithe agus ghlac 9 dtacar de shamplaí reachtúla. Dobharshaothrú Tá áthas orainn tuairisc a thabhairt ar an dul chun cinn sna hearnálacha Dobharshaothraithe agus Sliogéisc i mbliana agus d’fhan cur i dtír an oisrí fhiáin ag 120 tonaa cé gur tugadh rabhadh do líon beag soithí as gan a sonraí cur i dtír a sheoladh ar aghaidh. Tá faomhadh déanta ag an Ghníomhaireacht ar 51 ceadúnas d’iascach 2011/12 ar méadú beag é ar an fhigiúr don séasúr roimhe sin. Méadaíodh an íosmhéid cur i dtír do na sliogéisc seo go 80mm i rith 2011 agus léirigh sé seo méadú i líon na n-aicmí aoise atá léirithe san

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

iascach. Is léir ó shuirbhéanna 2006 go 2011 go bhfuil feabhsú suntasach ar an mhinicíocht faid taobh istigh den iascach oisrí. Bhí an-bheagán fianaise ar oisrí os cionn 75mm nuair a rinneadh suirbhé CEFAS in 2006, tá fianaise sheasmhach anois ar oisrí suas go 100mm agus os a chionn san iascach. Ba cheart go gceadódh sé seo don iascach méadú leis an stoc goir breise a bhíonn ar fáil don sceith bliain ar bhliain. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht tiomanta do thabhairt isteach srianadh ar mheáchan do cheannaitheoirí oisrí i gceantar an Fheabhail agus meastar go mbeidh an srianadh sin i bhfeidhm do thús iascach 2012/13. Tá an chuma air gur laghdaigh an pharaisít fola Bonamia i rith shamhradh 2011 agus is beag bás a cláraíodh sa suirbhé. Seans gurb é líon ard na mbásanna i rith shuirbhéanna 2012 is cúis leis seo agus táthar ag súil gur comhartha dearfach atá sna leibhéil ísle a cláraíodh in 2011. Leanfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht orthu ag déanamh monatóireachta ar leitheadúlacht Bhonamia i rith 2012. Thug an Ghníomhaireacht faoi shuirbhéanna ar speicis ionracha agus ar éin le cuidiú le nuashonrú na measúnachtaí cuí a dhéantar ar an dá loch mara. Tabharfar faoi na suirbhéanna seo go bliantúil le súil a choinneáil ar thabhairt isteach nó leathadh speiceas ionrach agus lena chinntiú nach n-imríonn gníomhú tráchtála tionchar ar éin agus ar a mbaineann leo. Táthar ag leanúint de na comhráití le Coimisiún Eastáit na Corónach agus leis an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Iascach agus Bia le bailchríoch a chur ar an Chomhaontú Bainistíochta a chuirfidh ar chumas na Gníomhaireachta Ceadúnú an Dobharshaothraithe ar Loch Feabhail a thabhairt isteach. Tá an comhaontú seo gan réiteach go fóill ach táthar ag súil go réiteofar é in 2012. Tá an Measúnú Straitéiseach Timpeallachta agus an Plean Forfheidhmithe do thabhairt isteach rialúchán le gníomhaíochtaí dobharshaothraithe a cheadúnú agus a bhainistiú i limistéir mhara an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn anois foilsithe ag an Ghníomhaireacht. Thug MMV Ostrea, soitheach monatóireachta na Gníomhaireachta faoi shuirbhéanna ar idir cheantar diúilicíní agus oisrí i rith na tréimhse agus tugadh fúthu fosta i bpáirt le hiascairí iascach oisrí Loch Feabhail. Sholáthair na suirbhéanna seo eolas luachmhar ar bhainistiú na lochanna mara.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Forbairt Rinneadh athbhreithniú ar straitéisí na Turasóireachta Muirí agus na Forbartha Slatiascaireachta go luath in 2011 agus nochtadh na torthaí do Bhord Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Shainaithin an t-athbhreithniú seo gur theastaigh breis comhairliúcháin le páirtithe leasmhara, agus go gcuideodh an toradh a bheadh air seo le gníomhaíochtaí Phlean Gnó 2012. Faoi láthair, tá tosaíocht déanta ar thionscadail chúltaca agus tá maoiniú á lorg le go bhforbrófaí iad seo ar aon dul le Straitéis Forbartha na Turasóireachta Muirí i gcomhar le Bord Turasóireachta Thuaisceart Éireann. Dhírigh tabhairt isteach Tuarascálacha Stádais ar thionscaintí forbartha ar shainaithint daichead ionad monatóireachta, le breis eolais bhonnlíne a chruinniú ar líon na gcuairteoirí fud fad limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Déanfar an mhonatóireacht seo trí stáisiúin éagsúla áirimh, atá anois á soláthar trí Lár-Stiúrthóireacht Soláthair na Roinne Airgeadais agus Pearsanra. Socróidh na sonraí seo úsáid acmhainní agus ceadóidh sé tuilleadh tuairiscithe. Faomhadh leanúint ar aghaidh le roinnt tionscadal faoi chlár INTERREG IVA i lár 2011 ar a n-áirítear réimse Cheann Mhálainne agus an Mhulláin. Cuireadh tuilleadh moille ar fhaomhadh na bhFeistithe agus na bPontún ar abhainn an Fheabhail ag Cé Bhruach an Mhíodúin, rud a chuir moill ar an tógáil. Tá animní ann faoi seo go háirithe nó táthar ag súil Rás Luamh Timpeall an Domhain Clipper a thabhairt go Doire i Meitheamh 2012. Agus forbairt na páirtíochta le Bord Turasóireachta Thuaisceart Éireann, le hIontaobhas Oidhreacht Bheanna Boirche, agus le Comhairlí an Iúir agus Mhúrna agus Chontae Lú, ag leanúint ar aghaidh, dearadh codanna breise den chosán cósta agus iarradh maoiniú ar Bhord Turasóireachta Thuaisceart Éireann i lár 2011 le leanúint le tionscadail ag an Abhainn Bhán, Séadchomhartha Rosa, Domhnach Eachaidh agus b’fhéidir ag Linn an tSrutháin. D’éirigh le tionscadail ag an Abhainn Bhán agus ag Séadchomhartha Rosa agus ag taiscumar Dhomhnach Eachaidh maoiniú 50% a mhealladh ó Bhord Turasóireachta Thuaisceart Éireann agus cuirfear i bhfeidhm go luath in 2012 iad. Rinneadh suirbhé i lár 2011 ar chonair Chósta Lú agus tharla cruinnithe le Fáilte Ireland agus le Comhairle Contae Lú le maoiniú a aimsiú leis an chonair seo a fhorbairt. Tiocfaidh an Chonair Chósta i dtír ar shuiteáil príomhphíopa uisce nua

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

feadh chósta Lú ar lorg an tsean-chlaífoirt iarnróid – tá an tionscadal in ainm a bheith críochnaithe faoi 2014. Tá maoiniú Fáilte Ireland le dearbhú fós. Tharla comhráití leis an Roinn Forbartha Réigiúnaí (An tSeirbhís Bhóithre) go luath in 2011 le roghanna a fhiosrú i dtaca le locadh bruscair agus le draenáil inmharthanach feadh Chanáil an Iúir. Shainaithin suirbhé de chuid na Seirbhíse Bóithre 6 ionad fhéideartha agus cuireadh bailchríoch ar cheathrar acu go mall in 2011 i ndúil is go dtabharfaí tuilleadh scéimeanna chun cinn in 2012. Ba mhaith liom arís mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl don Chathaoirleach agus don Bhord as an chomhairle, an spreagadh agus an tacaíocht a tugadh dom thar an tréimhse agus dár Ranna Urraíochta as a dtacaíocht agus a dtreoir. Ar deireadh, ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le mo chomhghleacaithe uile a léirigh arís a saineolas, a dtiomantas agus a ngairmiúlacht i gcomhlíonadh fhreagrachtaí na Gníomhaireachta. Derick Anderson Príomhfheidhmeannach

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

2. Ráiteas Misin Sochair inbhuanaithe, shóisialta, gheilleagracha agus thimpeallachta a chur ar fáil do na pobail sna habhantracha trí chaomhnú, chosaint, bhainistíocht, thaighde, chur chun cinn agus fhorbairt éifeachtach na n-iascach agus na n-acmhainní muirí i Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

3. Cuspóirí Is iad príomhchuspóirí na Gníomhaireachta i Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn:•

Na hiascaigh bhradáin agus intíre a chaomhnú agus a chosaint;

•

Na hiascaigh bhradáin agus intíre a bhainistiú agus a fhorbairt;

•

Forbairt Loch Feabhail agus Loch Cairlinn a chur chun cinn ar chuspóirí tráchtála agus áineasa;

•

Dobharshaothrú a cheadúnú agus a fhorbairt;

•

Turasóireacht mhuirí a fhorbairt;

•

Éifeachtúlacht mhéadaithe agus feabhsú leanúnach i soláthar seirbhísí d’iomlán na gcustaiméirí a lorg;

•

Úsáid éifeachtúil, éifeachtach agus tíosach na n-acmhainní atá ar fáil ag an Ghníomhaireacht a chinntiú.

Féach Aguisín 1 do tháirgeacht le háis cuspóirí agus spriocanna.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

4. Comhaltaí Boird Mar seo atá sonraí chomhaltas an Bhoird: Mr Tarlach Ó Crosáin Jacqui McConville An tUas. Enda Bonner An tUas. Brendan Byrne An tUas. John Byrne An tUas. Denis Haughey An tUas. Alan McCulla An tUas. Joe Miller An tUas. John Mulcahy An tUas. Winstona Patterson An tUas. Thomas Sloan An tUas. Jim Wilson

Cathaoirleach Leas-Chathaoirleach

Bhí deireadh le téarma an bhoird thuasainmnithe ag deireadh na bliana. Fuarthas ainmniúcháin úra do Bhord Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna agus ceapadh an Bord nua ar an 13 Nollaig 2011. Coinníodh 6 chomhalta den sean-Bhord ar an Bhord nua seo agus ceapadh 6 chomhalta nua, mar a leanann: An tUas. Winstona Patterson Cathaoirleach An tUas. Alan McCulla Leas-Chathaoirleach An tUas. Tarlach Ó Crosáin An tUas. Joe Miller An tUas. Thomas Sloan An tUas. Jim Wilson An tUas. Andrew Duncan Phil Iníon Mahon An tUas. Michael J McCormick An tUas. Seamus Rodgers An tUas. Donal Tipping Theresa Bn. McLaverty

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Cruinnithe Boird 65ú

Céadaoin

19 Eanáir

2011

66ú

Dé Céadaoin

23 Márta

2011

67ú

Dé Céadaoin

25 Bealtaine

2011

68ú

Dé Céadaoin

06 Iúl

2011

69ú

Dé Céadaoin

07 Meán Fómhair

2011

70ú

Dé Céadaoin

26 Deireadh Fómhair 2011

71ú

Dé Céadaoin

23 Samhain

2011

Ceanncheathrú Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, Préachán Oifigí Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, Cairlinn Ceanncheathrú Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, Préachán Ceanncheathrú Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, Préachán Oifigí Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, Cairlinn Ceanncheathrú Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, Préachán Carraig Mhic Uidhilín, Co Dhún na nGall

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

5. An Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas 5.1 17ú Cruinniú na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas i bhformáid Earnála Dobharshaothraithe agus Muirí Tionóladh seachtú cruinniú déag na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas i bhformáid Earnála Dobharshaothraithe agus Muirí in Oifigí Comhrúnaíochta CATT, Ard Mhacha ar an 4 Iúil 2011. D’fháiltigh an Chomhairle roimh thuarascáil ar an dul chun cinn in obair Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna a chuir Cathaoirleach na Gníomhaireachta Tarlach Ó Crosáin agus an Príomhfheidhmeannach, Derick Anderson i láthair. D’fháiltigh airí roimh an fheabhsú i bpróifíl stoic oisrí dúchasacha Loch Feabhail mar gheall ar rialú an iascaigh; roimh oscailt Oifig de chuid na Gníomhaireachta sa Chaisleán Nua, Contae Dhún na nGall; roimh thógáil uisceadáin úra in

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

ionad cuartaíochta na Gníomhaireachta, Riverwatch; agus roimh chríochnú ionaid thaitneamhachta ag Bá an Mhuilinn agus ag an Chaoluisce a fuair tacaíocht BTTÉ mar chuid de mhór-ród Chósta Mhúrna. Thug airí dá n-aird faomhadh agus dul chun cinn thionscadail INTERREG ag Bruach an Mhíodúin agus an tábhacht a bhaineann leis na saoráidí seo maidir le cuairt Dhúshlán Thimpeall an Domhain Clipper ar Loch Feabhail. Thug siad fosta dá n-aird gur críochnaíodh an Measúnú Straitéiseach Comhshaoil ar thabhairt isteach réimeas ceadúnaithe i gceantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn sa dobharshaothrú agus in iascaigh shliogéisc de réir threoir ábhartha an AE. Plean Corparáideach 2011-2013 agus Plean Gnó 2011 Phléigh na hairí dul chun cinn i bhforbairt Phlean Corparáideach Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna 2011-2013 agus Plean Gnó 2011. Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Ráitis Airgeadais Thug na hairí Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus dréacht-Ráitis Airgeadais Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna do 2010 dá n-aird agus chuala siad go leagfaí iad seo os comhair Thionól Thuaisceart Éireann agus an Oireachtais aon uair amháin a dheimhneoidh na hArd-Reachtairí agus na hArd-Iniúchóirí faoi seach na Ráitis Airgeadais. Reachtaíocht D’fháiltigh an Chomhairle roimh dhul chun cinn i gcur i bhfeidhm phlean forfheidhmithe reachtaíochta na Gníomhaireachta, d’fhaomh siad dhá thacar rialúchán agus thug dá n-aird go dteastóidh faomhadh CATT maidir le rialúcháin bhreise i rith 2011 agus 2012. D’fhaomh an Chomhairle nós imeachta le tacú le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna agus iad ag déileáil, trí rialúcháin, le héigeandálacha mar theagmhais thruaillithe, go ceann bliana eile a fhad le hIúil 2012. Fóram Comhairleach Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn D’aontaigh na hAirí gur chóir don Ghníomhaireacht tús a chur le próiseas ceapacháin don Tríú Fóram Comhairleach do Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn de réir an chleachtais is fearr agus a chinnteoidh an luach is fearr ar airgead. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Ciste Forbartha Inbhuanaithe D’fhaomh na hAirí na socruithe d’íocaíocht cúnamh airgeadais trí scéim deontais bheaga mar chuid d’fhorfheidhmiú Straitéis Forbartha na Turasóireachta Muirí.

5.2 18ú Cruinniú na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas i bhformáid Earnála Dobharshaothraithe agus Muirí Tionóladh ochtú cruinniú déag na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas i bhformáid Earnála Dobharshaothraithe agus Muirí in Oifigí Comhrúnaíochta CATT, Ard Mhacha, ar an 14 Deireadh Fómhair 2011. D’fháiltigh na hAirí roimh thuarascáil ar an dul chun cinn in obair Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, a láithrigh Cathaoirleach na Gníomhaireachta Tarlach Ó Crosáin agus an Príomhfheidhmeannach, Derick Anderson. Cháin an Chomhairle go láidir na hionsuithe leanúnacha ar fhoireann fhorfheidhmithe Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna agus ar na Faireoirí Abhann deonacha agus thug aitheantas dá dtiomantas agus iad ag iarraidh iascaireacht mhídhlíthiúil a bhrath agus a chosc. Phléigh na hAirí an feabhsú ar mhinicíocht faid stoc seasta oisrí Loch Feabhail. Thug siad dá n-aird gur léirigh áirimh bhradáin 2011 báirí measartha maith éisc i roinnt córas ach go bhfuil buarthaí ann faoi chinn eile, go háirithe An Mhorn. Thug an Chomhairle dá n-aird fosta an dul chun cinn suntasach a rinneadh ar iarratas na Gníomhaireachta ar mhaoiniú INTERREG IVA don tionscadal um Bhainistíocht Comhtháite Acmhainní Uisce i gcomhar le hOllscoil Ghlascú agus le hOllscoil na Banríona Béal Feirste agus d’fháiltigh siad roimhe. Láithriú ar Chláir Oideachais Timpealachta Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna D’fháiltigh na hAirí roimh an láithriú a rinne Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna ar sholáthar cláir oideachais timpeallachta agus thug dá n-aird go n-éascaíonn a leithéid de chlár scoth dul i ngleic páirtithe leasmhara, daoine óga go háirithe agus go bhfuil ról tábhachtach acu in athrú dearcadh páirtithe leasmhara faoina ról i mbainistiú abhantracha an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn agus i gcinntiú a n-inbhuanaitheachta.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Soláthar MMV Ostrea – Fiosrú Ar Iniúchadh Inmheánach Thug an Chomhairle dá n-aird agus iad imníoch faoin tuarascáil ar fhiosrú a rinne Iniúchóirí Inmheánacha na RTFT ar sholáthar an tsoithigh mhonatóireachta MMV Ostrea do Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna a shainaithin laigí suntasacha agus saincheisteanna rialaithe i mbainistiú an tionscadail seo. Thug siad fosta dá n-aird nach bhfuarthas aon fhianaise sa tuarascáil ar ghníomhú calaoiseach, gur baineadh amach cuspóirí an tionscadail agus go soláthraíonn an soitheach luach ar airgead maidir le luach reatha an tsoithigh ar an mhargadh agus lena acmhainn i dtaca le héifeachtúlacht feidhmithe de. Thacaigh na hAirí leis na gníomhartha a rinneadh, agus leis na rialuithe breise a d’iarr Bord an FCILC agus thug dá n-aird go ndéanfar tuairisc ar an dul chun cinn i bhforfheidhmiú na ngníomhartha ag éirí as an Tuarascáil ar Iniúchadh Inmheánach ag an chéad chruinniú eile d’Earnáil an Dobharshaothraithe agus na Turasóireachta Muirí ag CATT. Plean gnó Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna 2012 Thug na hAirí dá n-aird an dul chun cinn in ullmhú Phlean Gnó Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna 2012 agus go leanfaidh na Ranna Urraíochta de bheith ag comhoibriú leis an Ghníomhaireacht le bailchríoch a chur ar an phlean agus go dtabharfar chun tosaigh é lena fhaomhadh roimh dheireadh 2011. Reachtaíocht D’fháiltigh na hairí roimh an dul chun cinn i seachadadh Phlean Forfheidhmithe Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, d’fhaomh siad tacar amháin rialúchán agus thug dá n-aird go dteastóidh faomhadh CATT in 2012 maidir le rialúcháin bhreise.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

6. Fóram Comhairleach Limistéar an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn 17

Eanáir

2011

Márta

2011

Aibreán

2011

Lúnasa

2011

Meán Fómhair 2011

Samhain

2011

Fócasghrúpa na nIascach Bradán agus Intíre agus Timpeallachta. Óstán an Armagh City. Fóram Comhairleach an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Óstán an Armagh City. Fócasghrúpa na nIascach Bradán agus Intíre agus Timpeallachta. Oifigí Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, Cairlinn. Fócasghrúpa na nIascach Bradán agus Intíre agus Timpeallachta. Óstán an Silverbirch, An Ómaigh. Fóram Comhairleach an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn Óstán an Silverbirch, An Ómaigh. Fócasghrúpa na nIascach Bradán agus Intíre agus Timpeallachta. Óstán an Armagh City.

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

7. Soláthar Foirne Tá ceithre Stiúrthóireacht mar chuid de struchtúr an Gníomhaireachta (Seirbhísí Corparáideacha, Caomhnú agus Cosaint, Dobharshaothrú agus Iascaigh Sliogéisc agus Forbairt) agus is é 53 an leibhéal reatha faofa croífhoirnithe. Derick Anderson P’fheidhmeannach John Pollock

John McCartney

Gerard Mills

Barry Fox

Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

Stiúrthóir Caomhnaithe agus Cosanta

Stiúrthóir Forbartha

Stiúrthóir Dobharshaothraithe & Iascach Sliogéisc

Tá freagracht chorparáideach ar Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna as sláinte mheabhrach agus folláine a bhfoirne agus san áit ar féidir é cuidíonn siad leis an fhoireann má bhíonn saincheisteanna ag dul i bhfeidhm ar a bhfeidhmíocht.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Dá bharr sin, tá seirbhísí CareCall in úsáid againn, nó soláthraíonn siad clár cúnta d’fhostaithe ar a n-áirítear seirbhís chomhairleoireachta fóin 24 uair, comhairleoireacht duine le duine agus freagairt theagmhais chriticiúil a úsáidtear nuair a bhíonn an fhoireann sáite in ócáid thrámach neamhthuartha.

Socruithe Pinsean Tá an Ghníomhaireacht ag maoiniú athbhreithnithe ar a Socruithe Pinsin. Sa 1ú dréacht de Bhreithmheas Eacnamaíoch Leabhair Ghlais rinneadh machnamh ar na roghanna agus moladh go dtógfadh an Ghníomhaireacht na céimeanna riachtanacha le dul isteach sa Scéim Pinsean Thuaidh Theas. Cuireadh tús le plé leis na Ranna Urraíochta, leis na Ranna Airgeadais agus le Coiste Pinsean Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh na bhForas Thuaidh Theas. Moladh go dtabharfaí ar aghaidh páipéar le faomhadh ag CATT ag cruinniú a bheidh ag an Earnáil Dhobharshaothraithe agus Mhuirí.

8. Forbairt Foirne Aithníonn an Ghníomhaireacht an tábhacht atá le forbairt foirne agus le soláthar tionscaintí cuí san fhorbairt ghairmiúil do gach ball foirne. Ar feadh na bliana thug an Ghníomhaireacht aghaidh ar riachtanais oiliúna agus forbartha na foirne, ag díriú ar choinneáil faisnéise agus scileanna agus ar inspreagadh a chuideodh le cuspóirí an eagrais agus riachtanais daoine a thabhairt i gcrích. Orthu sin bhí oiliúint inmheánach agus oiliúint a thug eagraíochtaí seachtracha sna réimsí seo a leanas: Láimhsiú; Oiliúint ar na Meáin; Bord Náisiúnta Scrúduithe i Sábháilteacht agus Sláinte Cheirde (NEBOSH); Oiliúint um Shábháilteacht Dóiteáin agus Maoir Dhóiteáin; cúrsaí éagsúla a thug an Coimisiún Comhionannais – ar a n-áirítear Alt 55, comhionannas idir na gnéis; Cúram Custaiméirí; Sábháilteacht agus Tarrtháil ó Aontas Canúála na Breataine; Córais Bhainistíochta HR; oiliúint NIACRO ar earcú cothrom daoine a bhfuil ciontuithe coiriúla acu; oiliúint i mBreithmheas Eacnamaíoch; slándáil IT agus bainistíocht riosca; oiliúint mar Oibreoir Sábh Slabhrach; córais bhailithe uisce fuíll agus toiliú scaoilte; tarraingt leantóirí; oiliúint in CSR (Clár Scileanna Tógála); oiliúint i Saoráil Faisnéise; Luacháil Phraiticiúil ar Thairiscintí; Bainistíocht Tionscadal; Scileanna Taighde Allamuigh; Bainistiú Gluaiseacht Shaoráideach Uiscí Éisc; Bainistiú Fuinnimh; Measúnacht Tionchair Timpeallachta; Bainistíocht Acmhainní Daonna; Ionadaí Ceardchumainn; Bainistíocht Timpeallachta; oiliúint i bhFiosrú ar Thruailliú; Oiliúint i nGréasán IT Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

CISCO; oiliúint Sláinte agus Folláine; oiliúint i bhfeithiclí do Gach Cineál Talún (ATV); agus ceardlann oiliúina in GIS. Lean an Ghníomhaireacht orthu ag forbairt oiliúint allamuigh riachtanach agus tugadh faoi chúrsaí éagsúla in 2011, ar a n-áirítear: Comhrac Dóiteáin ar Muir; Teicnící Maireachtála Pearsanta; Garchabhair Éigeandála ar bord loinge; Dearbhuithe d’Oibreoirí Raidió; Oiliúint Mótarbháid; Oiliúint Loingseoireachta; Garchabhair san Ionad Oibre; Seoltóireacht Dionga; agus Cothabháil Innill Transaim.

9: Ionad Oideachais agus Léirithe “Riverwatch”(“Faire Abhann) Is trí Ionad Léirithe na Gníomhaireachta “Riverwatch” (“FAIRE ABHANN”) a rinneadh obair for-rochtana na Gníomhaireachta, den chuid is mó. Tá 115,000 cuairteoir tagtha ann ó osclaíodh sa bhliain 2002 é agus tá próifíl na n-iascach, na n-acmhainní muirí agus na n-acmhainní comhshaoil ardaithe mar gheall air seo, a thugann léiriú ar leochaileacht na n-acmhainní seo. In 2011, bhí beagán le cois 17,500 cuairteoir ann. Bhain muid an leibhéal seo cuairteanna amach trí phunann clár for-rochtana, mhargaíocht éifeachtach agus fheachtais bholscaireachta agus tríd an chlár chuimsitheach imeachtaí a bhíonn ar siúl le linn na bliana in Riverwatch. Ar na buaicphointí in 2011 bhí ‘’Ascarium Aquarium”, imeacht trí lá ar ar fhreastail beagnach 2,000 cuairteoir i bpáirt le grúpaí timpeallachta agus caomhnaithe mar RSPB, Zú Bhéal Feirste, TACT agus Oifigeach Bithéagsúlachta Chomhairle Cathrach Dhoire. Lean muid orainn ag forbairt ár réimse de chláir oideachais le scoileanna. In 2011, chuaigh muid i gcomhar le ILEX (Comhlacht Athghiniúna Uirbí i nDoire) agus le Comhairle na Breataine i dtionscadal Aibhneacha an Domhain le 6 scoil áitiúla. Taispeánadh a saothar taobh amuigh den Tate Modern i Londain agus bhreathnaigh thart ar 800,000 cuairteoir ar Fhéile Thames é. D’fhorbair muid fosta clár scoileanna sínte le 5 bhunscoil i limistéar Chomhairle Ceantair an tSratha Bháin áit ar fhan daltaí i ndiaidh gnáthuaireanta scoile le bheith ag foghlaim faoina dtimpeallacht áitiúil. Glanadh Abhainn an Fheabhail Ghlac Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna i gcomhar le Comhairle Cathrach Dhoire, Gníomhaireacht Timpeallachta Thuaisceart Éireann, agus roinnt gnólachtaí

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

áitiúla ar a n-áirítear Sainsbury’s, McDonald’s agus an City Hotel páirt i nglanadh bhruach Abhainn an Fheabhail. D’éirigh go geal leis an imeacht agus tugadh ar shiúl trí lód leoraí bruscair ón láib ar a n-áirítear rothair, scútair, tralaithe siopadóireachta agus cóin tráchta. Cuairt Choiste an Oireachtais Thug Cathaoirleach an Chomhchoiste Oireachtais ar Fhorfheidhmiú Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta, Dominic Hannigan, cuairt ar an Ghníomhaireacht ar an 24 Lúnasa 2011. Tugadh eolas dó ar fheidhmeanna agus oibríochtaí na Gníomhaireachta agus tugadh thart ar cheanncheathrú na Gníomhaireachta é. Iascaigh Intíre Éireann D’óstáil an Ghníomhaireacht cruinniú de chuid Bhord an IFI inár gCeanncheathrú ar an 29 Meán Fómhair agus láithrigh ár dtuarascálacha stádais agus an obair ar an iascach oisrí. Tá súil againn go mbeidh sé seo mar bhunús le naisc bhreise agus comhaontuithe páirtíochta a dhéanamh leis an IFI sa todhchaí. Tionscadal IBIS le SCENE Ollscoil Ghlaschú agus Ollscoil na Banríona Béal Feirste Bainistíocht Chomhtháite Acmhainní Uisce idir Albain, Éire agus Tuaisceart Éireann (IBIS). Chuir an Ghníomhaireacht mar Mhór-chomhpháirtí le hOllscoil Ghlaschú agus Ollscoil na Banríona, Béal Feirste, isteach ar mhaoiniú ó INTERREG IVA. Cuireadh in iúl dúinn gur éirigh linn agus táimid ag fanacht ar ár Litir Thairisceana fhoirmiúil. Is é £6,017,968 suim iomlán an deontas agus tá sé d’aidhm ag an Tionscadal 12 mhac léinn PhD, 34 mac léinn Máistreacht Taighde a sholáthar 9 gcúrsa san Fhorbairt Phearsanta Leantach a fhorbairt (agus 16 a sholáthar) móide soláthar 12 cheardlann ar Aistriú Eolais idir seo agus Meitheamh 2015. Beidh 70 bliain taighde i gceist leis seo. Tá i gceist fosta sa tionscadal foirgneamh a thógáil ar shuíomh Ollscoil Ghlaschú ag Loch Lómainn.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Táimid ar tí Coiste Comhairleach a bhunú a chuimseoidh na príomhghníomhaireachtaí timpeallachta rialtais in Éirinn, i dTuaisceart Éireann agus in Albain. Cinnteoidh sé seo go mbeidh gach saothar a dtabharfar faoi ag teacht leo sin atá ar siúl nó atá á bpleanáil ag eagraíochtaí eile agus fosta le deis a thabhairt do na heagraíochtaí seo comhpháirtíochtaí a fhorbairt trí thionscadail chomhoibritheacha ba mhaith leo a mholadh agus ar mhaith leo bheith páirteach iontu. Táimid ag iarraidh go mór fosta rannpháirtíocht phobail agus pháirtithe leasmhara a spreagadh agus tá rún againn iad seo a chanbhasáil i gcomhair smaointe do thionscadail go háirithe trí Fhóram Comhairleach Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna ach táimid ag fiosrú roghanna eile . Tá eiteas IBIS ag cinntiú go gcuirtear i bhfeidhm an obair a dtugtar fúithi agus go n-úsáidtear í leis an timpeallacht a chosaint agus a fheabhsú agus fosta le cuidiú le forbairt gheilleagair ar dhóigh chuí inbhuanaithe ó thaobh na timpeallachta de, taobh istigh de cheantar chlár an INTERREG IV. Tabharfar na sonraí a bhaileofar ar ais do ghníomhaireachtaí reachtúla, phobail agus pháirtithe leasmhara san fhormáid is cuí agus déanfar é a sholáthar trí chúrsaí CPD agus trí cheardlanna san Aistriú Eolais. Fógraíodh 5 PhD go dtí seo agus tá gearrliostú ar siúl • • • • •

Clibeáil leictreonach an Bhradáin Atlantaigh ar an Fheabhal.(UoG/ Ollscoil Ghlaschú) Fiosrúcháin ar shaolréim na heascainne (UoG/ Ollscoil Ghlaschú) Fiosrúcháin ar shaolréim an bhric ghil (UoG/ Ollscoil Ghlaschú) Straitéisí bainistíochta bunaithe ar eolaíocht a fhorbairt i gcomhar tál diúilicíní faoi shaothrú beantach (QUB) Straitéisí bainistíochta bunaithe ar eolaíocht a fhorbairt i gcomhar inbhuanaitheacht timpeallachta agus tráchtála oisrí dúchasacha (QUB)

Cuideoidh na PhDanna seo leis an Ghníomhaireacht a n-aidhmeanna agus cuspóirí a bhaint amach ar a n-áirítear spriocanna gnó agus corpordáide. Cuideoidh siad fosta eolas ardcháilíochta a sholáthar i gcomhar foirmliú agus forbairt reachtaíochta agus forbairt gheilleagrach inbhuanaithe timpeallachta ar an Fheabhal, i gCairlinn agus i gceantar Chlár an INTERREG IV.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

10. Caomhnú agus Coimirce Iascaigh Bhradán agus Intíre Tá iascaigh bhradán na hÉireann agus go deimhin an Atlantaigh Thuaidh i ndiaidh dul i laghad, mar gheall ar an mharthanacht san fharraige bheith ag dul i laghad le roinnt blianta den chuid is mó. Tá líon na mbradán lánfhásta atá ag filleadh óna n-imirce mara i ndiaidh titim go mór ar dhá abhainn innéasc de chuid na Comhairle Idirnáisiúnta um Thaiscéalaíocht na Mara (ICES), Abhainn na Buaise i gContae Aontroma ó 40% sna 80í go 3.5% in 2009 agus Abhainn Bhuirís Umhaill i gContae Mhaigh Eo go 8.2% sa bhliain chéanna. Agus seo ag dul ar aghaidh, tá an Ghníomhaireacht i ndiaidh díriú ar uasmhéadú tháirgeadh óga an bhradáin le linn a meathphas fionnuisce. Tá táirgiúlacht i gcórais abhann nasctha go bunúsach leis an ghnáthóg srutha atá ar fáil ach fosta le cáilíocht an uisce, le cumas an bhradáin leis an ghnáthóg a rochtain, le smacht ar dhúshaothrú dlíthiúil agus le cosaint na mbradán lánfhásta ar phóitseáil agus sheilg agus iad ag iarraidh na leapacha sceathraí a bhaint amach in uachtar na n-aibhneacha. Amhail gach córas bitheolaíoch, tá eolas impiriúil doiligh a bhunú agus mar sin de, is iad na foirne monatóireachta sonraí thar tréimhse fhada an cur chuige is fearr bainistíochta agus go háirithe an bhainistíocht atá bunaithe ar fhianaise atáimid ag iarraidh a aimsiú. Bhunaigh an Ghníomhaireacht roinnt ‘closphointí’ mar a thugaimid orthu leis na tacair sonraí seo a bhunú agus tá cuid acu ar bun anois corradh le deich mbliana, go deimhin téann ceann acu siar go 1952. Mar a léiríodh roimhe seo, tá an ghnáthóg srutha bunúsach maidir le táirgiúlacht an bhradáin agus tá taifid mhionsonraithe GIS ar 516km ar aibhneacha i gceantar an Fheabhail agus 489km i gceantar Chairlinn. Comhlíonann an obair mhonatóireachta seo oibleagáidí Chreat-treoir Uisce an AE, a dhéantar a sheachadadh trí chomhpháirtíocht na n-eagraíochtaí seo a leanas: Iascaigh Intíre na hÉireann (IFI), Gníomhaireacht Timpeallachta Thuaisceart Éireann (NIEA) agus an Ghníomhaireacht um Chosaint Timpeallachta (EPA).

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Chomh mall leis na 1990í, tá marthanacht sa mhuir maidir leis an bhradán Atlantach, i ndiaidh titim ó leibhéil os cionn 30% go 3 agus 4%, mar atá anois. Léirítear an méid sin ar an tábla thíos, a thaispeánann líon na mbradán lánfhásta a taifeadadh ag ár n-áiritheoirí éisc le sé bliana anuas. Córas Abhann

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

*Sprioc bainistíochta

An Fhinn

3278

2059

2153

1421

1928

5410

An Mhorn

3714

3508

8410

2303

1342

7859

An Fhochaine

1226

604

831

1825

995

800

An Ró

5375

4927

3064

3837

2652

1833

*Tabhair faoi deara: is é is sprioc bainistíochta ann an teorainn chaomhnaithe a leag an Ghníomhaireacht agus a gcomhairleoirí eolaíochta amach de réir threoir na hEagraíochta um Chaomhnú Bhradán an Atlantaigh Thuaidh (NASCO) agus na Comhairle um Thaiscéalaíocht na Mara (ICES). Le go dtabharfaí aghaidh ar an ábhar imní seo, thug an Ghníomhaireacht faoi ollchomhairliúchán le húinéirí iascach, le Clubanna Slatiascaireachta agus le Cumainn agus le páirtithe leasmhara eile, agus mhol dóibh uile caomhnú na n-iasc sin a dhéanann a mbealach ar ais sna haibhneacha, a uasmhéadú. Rinneadh fógra a chealaigh iascaireacht tráchtála bradán ar Loch Feabhail agus ar an Fheabhal taoide agus teorannaíodh an chéad dáileadh clibeanna conablaigh ar slatiascairí ag ceann amháin gorm agus cúig cinn dhubha. Déantar clibeanna gorma conablaigh a dháileadh idir Eanáir agus deireadh Bhealtaine gach bliain do dhul suas bhradáin an earraigh agus déantar clibeanna dubha conablaigh a dháileadh ó Mheitheamh go deireadh an tséasúir do dhul suas bhlátháin an tsamhraidh. Is réamhtheachtaí iad na graif thíos a bhaineann leis an Ró agus leis an Fhinn d’fhorbairt Innéacsanna Caomhnaithe do na haibhneacha san abhantrach a

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

sholáthróidh, tá súil againn, uirlis bhainistíochta a chuirfidh san áireamh na pointí iniúchta uile a ndéanaimid monatóireacht orthu, ní hamháin na háiritheoirí éisc. Is sprioc é seo inár bPlean Corparáideach.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Chomh maith leis seo, tástálann an Ghníomhaireacht cáilíocht uisce i sruthchúrsaí beaga na n-abhantracha agus déanann monatóireacht uirthi, rud a chuireann leis an tsampláil reachtúil a dtugann NIEA agus EPA fúithi. Foilsítear na tacair sonraí seo go bliantúil i dTuarascálacha ar Stádas Abhantrach, agus tá áthas orainn a thuairisciú go bhfuilimid go maith chun tosaigh i gcomhlíonadh riachtanais na bPleananna Gnó agus Corparáideacha le go bhfoilseofaí iad faoi dheireadh Iúil gach bliain. Cuimsíonn siad moltaí i gcomhair obair a dtabharfar fúithi agus soláthraítear iad do pháirtithe leasmhara na n-iascach (clubanna, úinéirí iascach agus eile) mar bhunús le plé a dhéanamh ar an obair ar cheart tosaíocht a dhéanamh di. Athchóiriú gnáthóg is mó atá san obair seo agus aontaíodh thar 14 thionscadal leis na páirtithe leasmhara agus soláthraíodh iad. Tá rath ar chuid acu cheana féin mar shampla, aischur sliogán ar an Fhinn, áit ar chláraigh an fhoireann dhá cheantar nach raibh taifead ar bith iontu roimhe. Seans gurb é bua Ghrúpa Athghiniúna an Dúsheisígh (grúpa bruachúinéirí agus feirmeoirí i gCeantar na hÓmaigh), a ghnóthaigh an dara háit i gcomórtas náisiúnta a reáchtáil Iontaobhas an Bhric Fhiáin as an obair aischuir a rinne siad agus a bhfuair siad Duais Caomhnaithe de chuid Orvis ar a shon, ceann de na torthaí is dearfaí ón obair seo agus ó chur chuige na gcomhpháirtíochtaí a ndéanaimid iarracht iad a sholáthar. Forfheidhmiú Lean na leibhéil foréigin agus imeaglaithe ar an fhoireann ag ardú ar feadh shéasúr 2011 más ar bhunús níos treallaí féin é. Bhí na hionsaithe is déanaí ar an Fheabhal uachtarach agus beidh an fhoireann ag ullmhú comhaid ionchúisimh as ionsaí agus bac ar dhaoine aonaracha. Tharla an foréigean fosta ag Muileann an tSiáin, áit ar ionsaigh fir faoi phúicíní patról Faireoirí Abhann Príobháideacha ó Chlub Slatiascaireachta Mhuileann an tSiáin. Tá an PSNI ag leanúint orthu ag fiosrú an scéil seo. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht buíoch den PSNI agus den Gharda Síochána as a ngairmiúlacht agus gabhann buíochas leo as a gcuidiú agus a dtacaíocht. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht faoi chomaoin mhór fosta ag an chorradh is 70 Faireoir Abhann Príobháideach a chuidigh le patrólú ar an Mhorn, an tSruthail, an Dearg, an Ró, an Fhinn, an Abhainn Bhán, an Rí agus an Fheochain.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Le cealú na hiascaireachta tráchtála bradán agus le cosc ar dhíol bradán a mharaítear le slat, is mórimní go fóill í an phóisteáil don Ghníomhaireacht. Léiríonn an tábla thíos na hurghabhálacha a rinneadh le dhá bhliain anuas agus 2011. 2009

2010

2011

Slata

Báid & Feithiclí

Líonta

127

138

161

In 2011, phléigh foireann na Gníomhaireachta le 54 cion a bhain le slata, agus 44 urghabháil. Ghabh foireann cosanta na Gníomhaireachta 161 líon mídhlíthiúl, 36 mála oisrí, 2 charr chomh maith le rudaí éagsúla eile, ar a n-áirítear sceana, mascanna balacláva agus smachtíní. Is mian leis an Bhord agus an Ghníomhaireacht aitheantas a thabhairt as an tacaíocht a thug an tAire O’Neill agus an tAire O’Dowd agus iad ar cuairt aire ar Phréachán agus ar Chairlinn faoi seach. Is mór againn fosta an cruinniú a d’eagraigh an tAire O’Neill leis an Aire Dlí agus Cirt agus le Príomhchonstábla an PSNI. Tá foireann na Gníomhaireachta ag leanúint leo mar gheall ar na cruinnithe seo, leis na hoifigigh ábhartha, ach seans gur tábhachtaí an tionchar dearfach a bhí ag na gníomhartha seo ar mheanma fhoireann allamuigh na Gníomhaireachta. Thug foireann cosanta na Gníomhaireachta san iascach Oisrí an chéad sraith cásanna chun na gcúirteanna faoi na Rialúcháin nua um iascach Oisrí. Bhí rath ar na chéad chásanna, ach tá achomharc sceidealaithe dóibh.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Achoimre ar Áirimh Éisc ó Chlár Áiritheoirí Éisc Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Saincheisteanna Timpeallachta Fuair Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna líon níos mó comhairliúchán ag baint le hiarratais phleanála agus le ceadúnais le scéimeanna hidrileictreacha abhann a rith. Tá na scéimeanna seo chomh maith leis na gnáth-shaincheisteanna ag baint le pleanáil, ceadúnú agus le toiliú scaoilte ag caitheamh cuid mhór d’am foirne. Thug foireann na Gníomhaireachta fianaise, ar glacadh go maith léi, ag an Fhiosrúchán Phoiblí ar scéim Bhóthar an A5. Foilsíodh toradh an fhiosrúcháin ag deireadh 2011 agus tá sé ar fáil ar láithreán Gréasáin na Roinne Forbartha Réigiúnaí. D’fhaomh an Bord Pleanála ionad cóireála camrais conspóideach i mBun an Phobail. Rinneadh an cinneadh cead pleanála a bhronnadh i ndiaidh dhá lá éisteachta in Óstán Redcastle i Meitheamh 2009 am ar thug foireann na Gníomhaireachta fianaise neamhslpleách eolaíoch. Mar chuid d’fhorbairt Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall, tógfar ceithre stáisiún caidéalúcháin ag Carraig Ruairí, An Carn Garbh, agus ag Cé an Chaisleáin Nua agus an príomhionad cóireála ag an Charn Gharbh fosta. Séanadh cead pleanála do staisiún caidéalúcháin ag Glenburnie ar fhoras cosaint taitneamhachta/timpeallachta. Bhí seisiún eolais lae ag Foireann Caomhnaithe agus Cosanta Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna i gcomhar leis an Institiúid um Bhainistiú Éisc ar shaincheist an tsioltacháin ó bhóithre ar an 16 Samhain in Óstán na Four Seasons, Cairlinn, Contae Lú. Chuimsigh an ócáid cainteoirí ó Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, ó Ghníomhaireacht Timpeallachta Thuaisceart Éireann, Iascaigh Intíre Éireann, Seirbhís Bhóithre na Roinne Comhshaoil (DOE) (TÉ) agus ó chomhairligh iascaigh. D’éirigh go geal leis an ócáid agus bhí daoine i láthair ó na Gníomhaireachtaí thuasluaite chomh maith le hiondaithe ón Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta, ó Ghníomhaireacht Aibhneacha DARD (TÉ), ón Bhord Soláthair Lecitreachais (An Rannóg Iascaigh), grúpaí slatiascaireachta, ó ghorlann éisc Bhaile an Doire, stáisiún bradán Abhainn na Buaise agus ón Institiúid Agrabhia agus Eolaíochtaí Bitheacha.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Ghlac Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna páirt ag ‘Cruinniú Mullaigh an Bhradáin’ a tionóladh in La Rochelle na Fraince i nDeireadh Fómhair 2011. Bhí príomhtheachtaireacht na comhdhála an-scáfar ar fad. D’aontaigh na heolaithe uile go bhfuil bradáin fhiáine an Atlantaigh ag fáil bháis go scáfar iomadúil. Tá baol ann go rachaidh stoic an deiscirt, ar a n-áirítear roinnt acu i Meiriceá Thuaidh agus san Eoraip, in éag. Ní mór do Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna a chinntiú go leanann siad orthu ag obair le póisteáil agus truailliú a chosc chomh maith lena chinntiú go dtugtar aghaidh ar shaincheisteanna a bhaineann le hathchóiriú ar ghnáthóga agus le cosc le baic ar imirce, má tá an speiceas le maireachtáil. Maidir le cosaint an chomhshaoil, dhéileáil foireann na Gníomhaireachta le 134 teagmhas truaillithe, agus ghlac siad 11 tacar de shamplaí reachtúla. I ngach cás, d’éirigh leis an fhoireann gach duine aonarach nó comhlacht ba chúis le marú éisc trí thruailliú i gceantar an Fheabhail an bhliain roimhe sin, a chiontú, agus cruthaíodh roinnt cásanna deacra sna cúirteanna mar gheall ar fhiosrú fónta mionsonraithe na foirne allamuigh. Aimsíodh agus fiosraíodh naoi dteagmhas inar maraíodh éisc de bharr truaillithe in 2010 agus tharla ionchúiseamh rathúil i dtaca le seacht gcinn acu, trí mhionmharú éisc agus dhá mhórmharú, agus tugadh an dá cheann eile os comhair na gcúirteanna in 2011. Cláraíodh cúig theagmhas go dtí seo i mbliana agus tá siad á bpróiseáil san am i láthair i gcomhair ionchúisimh.

11. Dobharshaothrú agus Sliogiascach Sa réimse seo arís tá an Ghníomhaireacht i ndiaidh cur chuige bunaithe ar fhianaise a tharraingt chucu féin atá go hiomlán comhlíontach maidir le treoracha an AE agus leis an straitéis a forbraíodh d’earnáil an diúilicín a fhásann ar ghrinneall i dtuairisc an “Rising Tide”. Tá an tsraith ama dár sonraí do na lochanna mara níos giorra ná na sonraí atá ar fáil don fhionnuisce ach tá an t-eolas bonnlíne go han-chruinn mar gheall ar chur i gcrích suirbhéanna neamhspleácha a raibh ár bhfoireann saineolaithe eolaíochta páirteach iontu agus soláthar ár soithigh mhonatóitearachta nua, MMV Ostre. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht ag bailiú eolas tábhachtach ar bhonn bliantúil lena chinntiú go mbunaítear cinntí na bainistíochta ar eolas cruinn agus ar eolaíocht.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Measúnú Comhshaoil Straitéiseach Tá an tsraith sonraí do lochanna mara i ndiaidh eolas a thabhairt don Mheasúnú Timpeallachta Straitéiseach (SEA) a chuir AECOM i gcrích thar ceann Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna ar thabhairt isteach réimeas ceadúnaithe do limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn don dobharshaothrú agus do shliogiascach fiáin de réir Threoir 2001/42/EC de chuid an AE. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht, i gcomhar leis an SEA, i ndiaidh bheith páirteach i bhforbairt ollstraitéis atá dírithe go háirithe ar rialáil agus forbairt an dobharshaothraithe agus sliogiascaigh agus mhol meicníochtaí le córas bainistíochta inbhuanaithe ó thaobh na timpeallachta a thabhairt ar aghaidh. Lena chois sin, tugadh faoi thrí Mheasúnú Cuí. •

Measúnú Cuí ar thabhairt isteach Rialúchán le dobharshaothrú muirí agus sliogiascach a cheadúnú ar Loch Feabhail agus le haistriú ceadúnú dobharshaothrú fionnuisce i gcóras an Fheabhail.

•

Measúnú Cuí ar thabhairt isteach Rialúchán le dobharshaothrú muirí agus sliogiascach a cheadúnú ar Loch Cairlinn agus le haistriú ceadúnú dobharshaothrú fionnuisce taobh istigh de cheantar Chairlinn.

•

Scrúdú ar shuntasacht dhóchúil agus Measúnú Cuí ar thabhairt isteach Rialúchán don iascach dúchasach oisrí ar shuíomhanna Natura 2000 taobh istigh de Loch Feabhail.

Bhí gach ceann de na trí phróiseas seo (SEA / Straitéis / AA) ag cothú a chéile sa chaoi is go dtig moltaí agus roghanna ó cheann amháin a thabhairt chun tosaigh m.sh. cuireadh roghanna a sainaithníodh sa SEA san áireamh sa doiciméad Straitéise.Tá SEA anois curtha i gcrích. Cuireadh an Tuarascáil Timpeallachta i gcrích agus rinneadh comhairliúchán poiblí uirthi faoinar cláraíodh 33 de fhreagraí foirmiúla. Rinneadh machnamh orthu seo agus cuireadh bailchríoch ar an Ráiteas Timpeallachta i Mí na Nollag 2010 agus táthar ag breathnú ar na measúnachtaí cuí mar cháipéisí beo a ndéantar nuashonrú orthu de réir mar is gá.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

MMV Ostrea Thug an MMV Ostrea faoi roinnt suirbhéanna agus dhualgais shamplála i rith 2011. Bhí an soitheach as feidhm ar feadh tréimhse fhada ó dheireadh Iúil go Samhain mar gheall ar dheacrachtaí a bhain le haimsiú turbachaidéil do cheann de na hinnill. Táthar i ndiaidh soláthraí a fháil a réiteoidh ceist ar bith mar sin sa todhchaí. Tá sé tuartha go mbainfidh mic léinn a bheas ag cur i gcrích PhD agus MSc trí thionscadal an IBIS i rith 2012 úsáid aisti le suirbhéanna allumuigh ceangailte leis an réimse staidéir s’acu a dhéanamh. Thar aimsir an Earraigh in 2012 bainfear úsáid as an soitheach fosta le ceantair fhóirsteanacha a shainaithint i gcomhair oibreacha feabhsúcháin in iascach dúchasach oisrí Loch Feabhail. Táthar ag súil go gcuirfear tús leis an obair feabhsúcháin go luath i samhradh 2012. Tá an Tuarascáil Fiosrúcháin Iniúchta ar sholáthar an MMV Ostrea anois foilsithe agus ar fáil ar láithreán gréasáin DARD (RTFR). Chuir an Ghníomhaireacht moltaí na Tuarascála Iniúchta i bhfeidhm agus déanann Bord Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna monatóireacht orthu ar gach cruinniú dá gcuid. Comhaontú Bainistíochta Níl an Ghníomhaireacht in ann dul chun cinn breise a thuairisciú maidir le cur i gcrích comhaontú bainistíochta do Loch Feabhail. Scríobh an Ghníomhaireacht chuig Airí ar iarratais an Bhoird faoin ábhar seo agus táthar ag súil go ndéanfar dul chun cinn i rith 2012. Iascach an Oisre Dhúchasaigh Thosaigh séasúr iascaireachta an oisre dhúchasaigh do 2010-2011 Dé Luain 20ú Meán Fómhair. Ghnóthaigh 46 soitheach ceadúnas le bheith ag obair san iascach i mbliana, méadú de 10 soitheach ó shéasúr 2009-2010. D’ardaigh an Ghníomhaireacht an t-íosmhéid inlandála san iascach ó 75mm go 80mm. Táthar ag súil go gcuideoidh sé seo le bithmhais stoic sceitheach agus le cáilíocht na n-oisirí a bhíonn dá n-inlandáil go ginearálta. Rinneadh tuairisc ar inlandálacha timpeall 112 tona san iascach don séasúr. Chuir an Ghníomhaireacht srian ar iascaireacht sa limistéar a bhfuil aithne air faoin ainm Tóin Leaba an Taoibh ó Dheas mar gheall ar ionfhabhtú tromchúiseach Bonamia Ostrea agus fianaise ar bhásmhaireacht de 30-40% Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

sa stoc ar an leaba seo agus roinnt limistéar a d’fhulaing básmhaireacht suas a fhad le 90%. Chuaigh an Ghníomhaireacht i gcomhairle le saineolaithe ar Bonamia ar an chur chuige is fearr maidir lena bhainistiú le plé leis na básmhaireachtaí seo. Déanfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht monatóireacht ar an limsitéar seo thar mhíonna na tsamhraidh agus cinnfidh siad siad cé acu a osclófar é do shéasúr iascaireachta an oisre 2011/12 nó nach n-osclófar, bunaithe ar mheasúnú stoic. Maíonn staitisticí ón iascach gur tháinig athrú mór ar chion gach rangú faid ón suirbhé bonnlíne a rinne CEFAS in 2006. Is fíorbheag an líon cásanna a bhí sna ranguithe faid os cionn 75mm sna suirbhéanna ó 2006-2008. Mar sin féin, d’athraigh sé seo de réir a chéile le trí bliana anuas agus is féidir go bhfuil tionchar dearfach ag rialáil iascaireachta na Gníomhaireachta ar líon na n-oisrí móra atá ag fanacht san iascach agus agus ag dul isteach sna haicmí móra faid. Is iomaí tuarascáil a rinneadh ar iascach an oisre dhúchasaigh le 19 mbliana anuas a rinne moltaí mar iad seo thíos: •

Dúnadh leapacha ar cháilíocht bhocht nó limistéar ina bhfuil líon maith oisrí óga;

•

Tógáil linnte oisrí le stoc a chur ar ais sna leapacha nach bhfuil ag déanamh go maith;

•

Sliogáin a chur isteach ar na leapacha le hoisrí óga a spreagadh.

Ba é an tabhairt isteach rialúchán a rinne Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna le hiascairí ar Loch Feabhail a cheadúnú i 2008 an chéad chéim i gcomhlíonadh na moltaí seo. Céimeanna eile i dtreo bhainistiú an iascaigh seo ar dhóigh inmharthana le cinnteoireacht atá bunaithe ar fhianaise ab ea an cinneadh leaba oisrí an Taoibh ó Dheas a dhúnadh i gcomhar iascaireachta i Meán Fómhair 2010 agus an méadú a rinneadh ar íosmhéid inlandála ó 75mm go 80mm. Bheadh súil ag an Ghníomhaireacht trí páirtithe leasmhara a dhéanamh rannpháirteach i bhforbairt pleananna bainistíochta agus athruithe rialála, agus trí oibriú i dtreo forbairt córais chomhoibrithe d’iascairí ar Iascach Oisrí Feabhail, go bhforbróidh meon úr maidir le húinéireacht an iascaigh agus go

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

mbainfear úsáid níos fearr, níos inbhuanathe as an áis nádúrtha uathúil seo. Níos moille sa bhliain, d’éisigh an Ghníomhaireacht 51 ceadúnas do shéasúr iascaireachta an oisre 2011/12. Thosaigh an séasúr ar an 19ú Meán Fómhair ag 6am agus ghlac bunús na soithí ceadúnaithe páirt. Chonacthas dhá shoitheach ag iascaireacht roimh an am oscailte agus tá comhaid ionchúisimh á ndéanamh réidh san am i láthair. Tháirg iascach an oisre dhúchasaigh ar Loch Feabhail 102.354 tona suas a fhad leis an 07/01/12. Tá an uimhir seo ag teacht le meán na bliana anuraidh do thús Eanáir. Dinimicí an Stoic Oisrí agus Suirbhé an Fhómhair Léiríonn an suirbhé méadú céimseach ar líon na n-aicmí aoise atá san iascach ar dócha iad a bheith bainte leis an laghdú i saothrú na hiascaireachta ó thug muid isteach ár gcuid rialúchán. Bhí an-bheagán fianaise ar aon oisrí os cionn 75mm in 2006 nuair a rinne an Lárionad um Eolaíocht Chomhshaoil, Iascaigh agus Dobharshaothraithe (CEFAS) suirbhé ar an iascach; tá anois fianaise mhaith sheasmhach ann go bhfuil oisrí a fhad le 100mm agus os a chionn san iascach. Tá cuma i bhfad níos fearr ar leaba an Taoibh ó Dheas a dúnadh ar ordú i séasúr 2010/11 ná mar a bhí an t-am seo anuraidh agus 15% den stoc os cionn 80mm, 30% níos lú ná 40mm ar comhartha an-mhaith é go raibh an líon iasc óg inghafa an-rathúil an samhradh seo chuaigh thart, ar an ábhar b’fhéidir go raibh básmhaireacht éisc chomh híseal sin mar gheall ar an dúnadh. Athosclaíodh an limistéar d’iascaireacht an séasúr seo agus tá méadú i ndiaidh teacht ar an dlús iomlán agus ar an tonnáiste mar gheall ar líon trom oisrí óga in 2010 agus ar fhás an stoic. Tá an chuma air go bhfuil líon an-mhaith stoic a bhfuil méid an mhargaidh iontu ar an leaba péirse agus tá dealramh maith ar ghnótha an iascaigh.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Feictear thíos an feabhsú ar dhinimicí stoic an iascaigh a léiríonn méadú sa stoc sceitheach seasta agus an líon is airde aicmí bliana a taifeadadh san iascach ó cuireadh tús le suirbhéanna.

Léirigh torthaí shuirbhé an fhómhair go bhfuil méadú ar an stoc oisrí i gcomparáid le measúnachtaí Fhómhar 2010 agus Earrach 2011. An príomhthoradh a bhí ar an tuarascáil seo ná gur taifeadadh níos mó aicmí aoise san iascach ná mar a rinneadh in aon suirbhé roimhe seo; tá an líon maith oisrí sna haicmí óga dearfach. Léiríonn an mhinicíocht faid iomlán don stoc go bhfuil na haicmí aoise i ndiaidh dul chun cinn ó 2010 agus go bhfuil bunús mór an stoic anois os cionn 50mm ar mhéid. Má leantar de ghabháil na n-acimí aoise seo san iascach ba cheart go dtabharfadh sé seo stoc iniascaireachta sa chúpla bliain amach romhainn. Níl aon fhianaise eile go bhfuil oisrí ag fáil bháis nó gur bhuail básmhaireacht throm go dona iad de bharr aicíde ar leaba an Taoibh ó Dheas mar a tharla i bhfómhar 2010 agus in earrach 2011. Ó bhí an suirbhé ann, cuireadh roinnt moltaí chun tosaigh chun féachaint leis an iascach seo a fheabhsú agus a fhorbairt. Cuimsíonn siad seo tiontú na sliogán agus tabhairt isteach sliogáin úra le lonnú oisrí óga a chur chun cinn i limistéir a bhí táirgiúil san am a chuaigh thart. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht ag súil go dtig leo cuid de na tionscadail seo a thosú in 2012 le cuidiú Thionscadal IBIS le súil is go gcuirfear le táirgiúlacht an iascaigh.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Tuarascálacha Stádais ar Loch Feabhail agus Loch Cairlinn Cuireadh Tuarascálacha Stádais 2011 i gcrích do Loch Feabhail agus Loch Cairlinn agus tá siad ar fáil ar láithreán Gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta. Tá sé d’aidhm ag na tuarascálacha seo súil ghéar a choinneáil ar na mórshaincheisteanna a théann i bhfeidhm ar thimpeallacht uisceach agus acmhainní iascaigh Loch Feabhail agus Loch Cairlinn. Tá sé tuartha go spreagfaidh scaipeadh na tuarascála seo díospóireacht idir na páirtithe leasmhara agus Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Fáiltítear roimh aiseolas agus cuirfear san áireamh é i dtuarascálacha san am atá le teacht. Tá tábhacht mhór maidir le timpeallacht, le sochaí agus le geilleagar ag baint le hiascach chórais an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Soláthraíonn na tuarascálacha stádais eolas cúlra ar an timpeallacht uisceach ar na lochanna, láithríonn siad torthaí obair na suirbhéanna a rinne Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna, scaipeann siad staitistící gabhála agus tugann siad eolas faoi bhearta pleanáilte. Tugtar cur síos ar na gníomhaíochtaí a bhféadfadh tionchar diúltach a bheith acu ar an timpeallacht uisceach, ar acmhainní iascaigh agus ar na gnáthóga a thacaíonn leis an líon agus cuirtear i láthair gníomhaíochtaí feabhais a mholtar. Suirbhéanna Éan Tá an Ghníomhaireacht i ndiaidh comhghnás suirbhéanna éan do Loch Feabhail agus Loch Cairlinn a fhorbairt agus tá siad i ndiaidh tús a chur le suirbhé ar Loch Cairlinn. An chéad chéim eile anois ná an suirbhé seo a chur i bhfeidhm ar Loch Feabhail. Mac léinn MSc trí thionscadal an IBIS a dhéanfaidh é seo an chéad uair. Bainfear úsáid as an eolas a fhaightear ó na suirbhéanna seo le cuidiú le measúnachtaí cuí na Gníomhaireachta don dá loch mara agus le nuashonrú a dhéanamh orthu. Caithfear Measúnacht Chuí a dhéanamh sular féidir ceadúnas Dobharshaothraithe a thabhairt nó a athnuachan, de réir Alt 6 de Threoir na nGhnáthóg de chuid an AE (1992) a shainmhíníonn bainistiú agus cosaint shuíomhanna Natura 2000. Tá an t-eolas ar éin atá againn faoi láthair easnamhach le húsáid mar tháscaire ar na hidirghníomhaíochtaí idir éin uisce agus gníomhaíocht an dobharshaothraithe. Teastaíonn sonraí cúltaca leis an earnáil dobharshaothraithe a thabhairt chun cinn agus de réir Threoir na nGnáthóg. Teastaíonn eolas breise ar dháileadh éin uisce (go háirithe na Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

speicis atá faoi chosaint), ar fhlúirseacht agus ar chruinniú éin uisce agus idirghníomhaíochtaí idir an dobharshaothrú agus éin uisce. Ceadóidh cur i gcomparáid sonraí ó shuíomhanna dobharshaothraithe le limistéir neamhchuraíochta measúnú ar an chaoi a bhféadfadh gníomhú dobharshaothraithe ar Loch Cairlinn agus ar Loch Feabhail dul i bhfeidhm ar líon na n-éan uisce orthu. Leanann an staidéar an teimpléad a leagadh amach i “Suirbhéanna ar Éin Uisce taobh istigh den Limistéar Speisialta Cosanta ar Chósta na hÉireann: Modhanna Suirbhéireachta agus Nótaí Treorach” (An tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiabheatha, 2011). Mar sin féin, éileoidh críochnú an tsuirbhé seo suirbhéireacht NPWS ar shuíomhanna i míonna an tsamhraidh chomh maith le míonna an gheimhridh. Cuireadh isteach fosta roinnt eile éileamh a bhaineann le riachtanais Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Mhaoinigh tionscadal an IBIS mac léinn ar chúrsa teagasctha Máistreachta le bheith ag obair ar an tionscadal seo i rith chuid an tionscadail dá MSc. Fiosróidh siad mar a théann gníomhú dobharshaothraithe cladachbhunaithe i bhfeidhm ar dhlús na n-éan agus ar a gcruinnithe ar chladach Loch Cairlinn. Mairfidh an tionscadal ó Aibreán 2012 go Lúnasa 2012 agus rithfidh sé ag an am céanna le suirbhé Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna atá ann cheana féin. Suirbhéanna ar Shíolta Diúilicíní Rinneadh suirbhéanna ar shíolta diúilicíní ar Loch Cairlinn agus ar Loch Feabhail ar aon in earrach agus samhradh 2011 sular osclaíodh iascach na síolta diúilicíní timpeall an chósta. Ar an drochuair níor sainaithníodh aon lonnú nua síolta diúilicíní i gceachtar den dá loch. Taifeadadh líon beag diúilicíní leathfhásta ar leaba na síolta diúilicíní ar Loch Feabhail. Fuarthas síolta diúilicíní den chuid is mó ar leapacha Mhuir Éireann arís in 2011 leis na hiomairí diúilicíní ar Loch Feabhail agus ar Loch Cairlinn a stocáil. Suirbhé Sláintíochta ar Loch Cairlinn Chomhordaigh an Ghníomhaireacht suirbhé sláintíochta ar Limistéir Tháirgthe Sliogéisc ar Loch Cairlinn thar ceann na Gníomhaireachta um Chaighdeáin Bhia i dTuaisceart Éireann (FSANI) agus an tÚdarás um Chosaint Iascaigh Mhara (SFPA) i ndeisceart na hÉireann. Chruthaigh an comhthionscadal trasteorann

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

seo liosta foinsí truallithe in abhantrach Chairlinn agus déanann measúnú ar chinniúint an truaillithe seo maidir le limistéir tháirgthe sliogéisc ar an loch. Cinnteoidh an tionscadal seo go bhfuil an tástáil reachtúil baictéareolaíoch ionadaíoch agus go bpléitear le saincheisteanna a bhaineann leis an truailliú ar bhonn trasteorann feasta. Sampláil Sláinteachais Sliogéisc 2011 Bailíonn Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna samplaí sliogéisc don Ghníomhaireacht um Chaighdeáin Bhia i dTuaisceart Éireann (FSANI), don Ghníomhaireacht um Chaighdeáin Bhia in Éirinn (FSAI) agus don Ghníomhaireacht um Chosaint Iascaigh (SFPA) ó limistéir aontaithe táirgthe sliogéisc ar Loch Cairlinn agus Loch Feabhail. Bailítear samplaí le dhá chineál truaillithe a thástáil: truaillíu Biotoscsaine agus E. coli nó truailliú micri-bhitheolaíoch. Chomh maith leis na samplaí sliogéisc, bailítear samplaí uisce a fhionnann fíteaplanctón táirgthe biotocsaine sa cholún uisce. Tá Loch Cairlinn agus Loch Feabhail go fóill in aicme mhicri-bhitheolaíoch B in 2011 bunaithe ar thorthaí 2010. In 2011 ghlac Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna anonn cúram shampláil oisrí dúchasacha Loch Feabhail ó SFPA. Bailítear samplaí le leibhéil bhiotoscaine sna sliogéisc a thástáil. Tá MOU á ullmhú idir SFPA, FSAI agus Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna a bhfuiltear ag súil leis go mbeifear ag tabhairt faoi shampláil sláinteachais ar gach speiceas sliogéisc ar Loch Cairlinn agus Loch Feabhail dá bharr. Ba cheart go mbeadh an MOU réidh le comhaontú go mall in Aibreán 2012. Suirbhéanna Ceamara faoi uisce ROV Arís eile tá an Ghníomhaireacht i ndiaidh a cheamara faoi uisce ROV a úsáid in 2011 leis na stoic diúilicíní agus oisrí ar an dá loch mara a mheas. Tabharfaidh sé seo íomhánna bonnlíne a mbainfear úsáid astu le cineálacha gnáthóg a rangú de réir físe agus fosta mar tháscaire le hathrú ar na gnáthóga a shainaithint mar thoradh ar dhígrádú nádúrtha nó feabhsú mar gheall ar fheabhsú gnáthóg/oibreacha athshuímh de chuid na Gníomhaireachta. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht faoi láthair ag díriú ar leapacha an oisre dhúchasaigh a Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

laghdaigh go mór i dtáirgeadh le 10 mbliana anuas le tabhairt faoi na tosca is cúis leis an mheath seo le cúl a chur air san áit ar féidir é. Is é ár soitheach monatóireachta nua, an MMV Ostrea a thug faoin obair seo agus faoi na suirbhéanna ar oisrí dúchasacha agus ar shíolta diúilicíní. Mar gheall ar an oiliúint, ar an eolas agus ar an taithí a fuair an soitheach, tá sé anois ag éirí níos tábhachtaí mar áis de chuid na Gníomhaireachta le dobharshaothrú agus sliogiascach inbhuanaithe a bhainistiú, a chaomhnú agus a fhorbairt. Ionfhabhtú Bonamia Ostreae ar Loch Feabhail Leanann an Ghníomhaireacht orthu de bheith ag coinneáil súil ghéar ar leapacha oisrí ar Loch Feabhail le méid an leata a rinne Bonamia a shainaithint. Tá samplaí míosúla á mbailiú le leibhéil ionfhabhtaithe a mheas. Tá sé seo á dhéanamh i gcomhar le Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh. Níor aimsíodh aon bhásmhaireacht shuntasach sa dara cuid de 2011. Breathnaítear go haireach air seo mar chomhartha dearfach. Monatóireacht ar Sceitheadh an Oisre Dhúchasaigh Rinneadh monatóireacht sheachtainiúil ar sceitheadh an oisre dhúchasaigh taobh istigh d’iascach oisrí Loch Feabhail ó Mheitheamh-Meán Fómhair 2011. Taifeadadh na coinníollacha timpeallachta sna hionaid seo agus dlús larbhaí an oisre dhúchasaigh. Bainfear úsáid as an eolas seo le cuidiú le hoibreacha feabhsúcháin ar bith a dhéanfar san iascach. Thiocfadh dó go mbeadh siad seo i gceist sna hoibreacha seo: cruthú/athnuachan gnáthóg ar nós glanadh sliogán/tionscadail iomairí le líon larbhaí atá á dteorannú ag infhaighteacht foshraitheanna lonnaíochta a spreagadh nó cosaint ar stoc an áil nó daingniú ar pháirteanna de roinnt leapacha oisrí.

12. Forbairt na Turasóireachta Muirí agus na Slatiascaireachta Agus iad ag leanúint le feidhmiú Straitéisí na Turasóireachta Muirí agus Forbairt na Slatiascaireachta, tá an Ghníomhaireacht ag forbairt agus ag cur chun cinn tionscadal agus imeachtaí a bhaineann le Turasóireacht Mhuirí agus leis an

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

tSlatiascaireacht. Feictear iad seo in aschur an phlean ghnó bhliantúil. Tionscadal an INTERREG IV Cuireadh iarratas isteach chuig clár an Interreg IV i Meán Fómhair 2007. Ba é teideal an tionscadail “Forbairt na Turasóireachta Muirí, na Fóillíochta Uiscebhunaithe agus Táirgí Thurasóireacht na Slatiascaireachta i limistéir mhara agus abhantracha an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.” Bhí corradh is €20 milliún mar luach ar an iarratas sin ach laghdaíodh é go €4 mhilliún trí bheart athbhreithnithe agus cheangal le foras an chláir. Thosaigh oibreacha suímh go mall in 2011 le hardán imeachtaí muirí (pontún mór) a thógáil i gCathair Dhoire agus cé i lár na cathrach do longa cúrsála. Feabhsóidh an dá thionscadal seo acmhainn na turasóireachta muirí go suntasach i nDoire. Beidh na saoráidí seo i lár “Rás Luamh Timpeall an Domhain Clipper 11-12” in Iúil 2012 agus cuirfidh sé le Cathair an Chultúir an bhliain ina dhiaidh sin. Cuimsíonn tionscadail eile rochtain feithiclí feadh an bhóthair go Ceann Mhálainne agus cosán chuig ardán amhairc, rochtain bád ag Inis Trá Tholl, tionscadail shlatiascaireachta ar an tSruthail agus ar an Fheabhal, saoráidí trá ag Binn Eoghain agus rochtain bád ar an Fheabhal. Aonach Slatiascaireachta Bhí aonach slatiascaireachta Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna ann i mBealtaine ar an Bhaile Nua, Contae Thír Eoghain. Ghlac beagnach 4,000 cuairteoir an deis le níos mó a fhoghlaim faoi obair na Gníomhaireachta agus faoin tslatiascaireacht ó cheanglóirí cuileog agus ó shaineolaithe, a bhfuil cáil idirnáisiúnta orthu, ar chaitheamh amach dorú. Seónna Cur ar Aghaidh agus Forbairt Mhargaidh Leanann an Ghníomhaireacht orthu de bheith ag freastal ar sheónna tábhachtacha slatiascaireachta ar fud na hÉireann, sa Bhreatain agus ar an mhór-roinn. I ndiaidh dóibh freastal ar sheó san Ísiltír anuraidh, chuaigh an Ghníomhaireacht isteach i margadh na Gearmáine in 2011, nuair a d’fhreastail siad ar aonach slatiascaireachta in aice le Munchen.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Tá Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna go fóill mar pháirtnéir i gCúrsáil an Iar-thuaiscirt, tionscadal a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige tógáil ar phróifíl cheantar an Fheabhail i measc oibritheoirí longa cúrsála. Díolacháin ceadúnas Bliain

Díolacháin ceadúnas

2003

8,518

2004

9,727

2005

10,779

2006

10,564

2007

11,831

2008

11,980

2009

12,579

2010

11,305

2011

11,057

Cé gur tháinig ardú ar dhíolacháin ceadúnas ó 8,518 in 2003 go 12,579 in 2009, seans gurb é an aeráid reatha gheilleagair is cúis leis an titim in 2010, cé go bhfuil seans ann fosta go raibh baint ag tabhairt isteach ‘gabh agus scaoil’ ar aibhneacha an Fheabhail agus na Finne agus coinníollacha na haimsire leis fosta. Féile Oisrí agus Seachtain Oidhreachta Chairlinn Thug an Ghníomhaireacht i gcomhar le Comhairle Contae Lú agus Fáilte Ireland tacaíocht d’Fhéile Bhliantúil Oisrí Chairlinn agus do sheachtain Oidhreachta Chairlinn. Thug na páistí agus na daoine óga an-taitneamh don ransú cladaigh agus cnoc, do na healaíona agus na ceirdeanna meánaoise agus táthar ag tuairisciú go raibh líon níos mó cuairteoirí ann ná mar a bhí anuraidh. Foireann sóisear Chónaidhm Garbhiascaireachta na hÉireann (NCFFI) D’aontaigh an Ghníomhaireacht cuidiú beag airgid a thabhairt d’fhoireann óg Chónaidhm Garbhiascaireachta na hÉireann (NCFFI) le páirt a ghlacadh i

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

gcomórtas an Choirn Cheiltigh a bhíonn ann gach Lúnasa in Albain. D’éirigh leis an fhoireann an comórtas a bhaint agus trófaí an Choirn Cheiltigh a thabhairt abhaile. Máistirphlean Chamlocha Chuir Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir agus Mhúrna i bpáirt le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna agus le páirtithe leasmhara eile críoch le Máistirphlean do Loch Bhaile Chamlocha a thaispeánann an bealach chun tosaigh d’fhorbairt an locha i gcomhair úsáid éagsúil caitheamh aimsire. Plean fadtéarmach atá ann, agus dul i ngleic pobail agus páirtithe leasmhara ag a lár. Leanfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht orthu de bheith ag obair leis an Chomhairle agus le páirtithe leasmhara leis an Phlean a thabhairt chun cinn agus le cuidiú le lorgaireacht airgid lena chur i bhfeidhm. Scéim Feabhsúcháin Timpeallachta Ó Méith I ndiaidh do Chomhairle Contae Lú agus do Bhailte Slachtmhara Ó Méith labhairt linn, cuireadh scéim bheag feabhsúcháin i bhfeidhm ag an chladach in Ó Méith. Rinneadh an tionscadal ina dhá chuid agus thug an Ghníomhaireacht tacaíocht do chuid 1 agus thug Louth Leader agus Bailte Slachtmhara Ó Méith tacaíocht do chuid 2. Is ó thaobh istigh den phobal a forbraíodh an scéim agus fuarthas an-tacaíocht ó chónaitheoirí an cheantair agus d’fhorbair Comhairle Contae Lú an dearadh, an próiseas tairisceana agus rinne maoirseacht ar an tógáil chomh maith. Tá an chéad chuid eile den chlár deartha agus tá an Ghníomhaireacht ag obair le páirtnéirí an tionscadail le foinse tacaíochta a aimsiú lena chur i bhfeidhm. Rí na Canála Ghlac 25 slatiascaire as gach páirt de Thuaisceart Éireann páirt i gcomórtas Rí na Canála ar Chanáil Longa an Iúir. Léiríonn na tuairiscí luatha nár rug aon duine ar níos lú ná 50 iasc agus líon an bhrain thuas go maith le taobh blianta eile agus tá súil ag an Ghníomhaireacht gur léiriú é sin ar an pholasaí stocála 3 bliana a cuireadh i gcrích in 2010. Cuireadh gach iasc ar ais slán sa Chanáil mar chuid de rialacha an chomórtais le hiasc garbh a chosaint agus a chaomhnú agus le reachtaíocht a chomhlíonadh.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Cleachtadh do Phóilíní agus Sheirbhísí Dóiteáin na hEorpa Thacaigh an Ghníomhaireacht leis an chleachtadh do Chluichí Phóilíní agus Sheirbhísi Dóiteáin na hEorpa a tharla ar Chanáil Longa an Iúir i Lúnasa. Ghlac Foireann Náisiúnta an Gharda Síochána páirt i gCluichí Phóilíní agus Sheirbhísí Dóiteáin na hEorpa san Ísiltír, rud a bhain siad in aineoinn iomaíocht ghéar 25 foireann san iomlán. Cosán Cósta Chairlinn Rinne Comhairle Contae Lú suirbhé réamh-mheasúnaithe ar shé mhíle de chosán cósta ó Ché Greer in Ó Méith go dtí an Grianfort. D’aontaigh Rannóg Seirbhísí Uisce Chomhairle Contae Lú an príomhphíopa nua uisce a thabhairt ó Chuailgne go hÓ Méith feadh an tseanbhóthair iarainn. Is é an plean atá ann an cosán siúil agus rothaíochta a leagan ar an bhealach aon uair amháin a bheidh an úinéireacht talún uile aontaithe. Tá Comhairle Contae Lú i ndiaidh an tionscadal a shainaithint mar cheann dá gcroí-aidhmeanna straitéiseacha ina bPlean Eacnamaíochta. Is é 2014 dáta críochnaithe na hoibre. Tionscadal Comharthaíochta Mhúrna/ Bealach Cósta Mhúrna Tá trí shuíomh feadh bhealach cósta Mhúrna ag Séadchomhartha Ross, Bá an Mhuilinn agus an Caoluisce beagnach réidh. Is iad an Abhainn Bhán agus Domhnach Eachaidh na suíomhanna eile. Cuirfear suas sraith de chomharthaí ‘donn is bán’ ar an bhealach cósta le cuairteoirí feadh Bhealach Cósta Mhúrna a threorú. Meastar go gcosnóidh an tionscadal, le taca an NITB, thart ar £370,000. Is toradh é an tionscadal seo ar pháirtíocht idir Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna, Bord Turasóireachta Thuaisceart Éireann, Iontaobhas Oidhreacht Mhúrna agus Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir agus Mhúrna. Páirceáil ag Canáil Longa an Iúir Cuireadh isteach dhá leataobh eile feadh Chanáil an Iúir agus sin ceithre cinn san iomlán anois. Tharla plé luath le Seirbhísí Bóithre DRD agus tá pleananna i gcomhair sainaithint suíomh eile faoi lánseol in 2012.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Conair Chadhcála Oirthear Inis Eoghain Ag leanúint ar fhorbairt conairí curachóireachta ar Loch Cairlinn agus ar an Fheabhal, d’úsáid an Ghníomhaireacht áiseanna inmheánacha le Conair Chadhcála Mara Oirthear Inis Eoghain a fhorbairt. Ghlac earnáil na turasóireachta gníomhaíochta go fonnmhar leis seo. Ritheann Conair Chadhcála Mara Oirthear Inis Eoghain ó imeall chathair mhúrtha Dhoire timpeall chósta leithinis Inis Eoghain go Ceann Mhálainne, an pointe is faide ó thuaidh ar mhórthír na hÉireann. Tá an treoir chonrach nuálach, ina bhfuil cairteanna mara agus insint ar na rudaí uilig atá le feiceáil agus le déanamh, chomh maith le leideanna faoi chadhcáil. Rochtain ar Abhainn an Fheabhail ag Préachán Chuaigh an Ghníomhaireacht i bpáirtíocht le Comhairle Cathrach Dhoire le hoibreacha feabhsúcháin a chríochnú ag an fhánán phoiblí ag Préachán a bhfuil sé d’aidhm aige rochtain ar an abhainn a fheabhsú d’úsáideoirí báid. Tacaíocht do Pháirtithe Leasmhara na Turasóireachta Muirí. Leanann an Ghníomhaireacht orthu de bheith ag cuidiú le clubanna fóillíochta uiscebhunaithe a n-imeachtaí a reáchtáil. Mar shampla de sin, soláthraíodh infreastruchtúr ar an chladach agus báid shábháilteachta d’imeacht seoltóireachta náisiúnta de chuid GP14 agus thionlaic bád sábháilteachta Cumann Puntaí an Fheabhail agus iad ag iomramh as Oileán Íle go dtí an Caisleán Nua. Monatóireacht ar líon na gCuairteoirí Bailíodh líon an gcuairteoirí a ndearnadh monatóireacht orthu ag dhá cheann de na suíomhanna feadh Bhealach Cósta Mhúrna Cuireadh isteach áiritheoir ag an Chaoluisce ón 21ú Aibreán go 30ú Lúnasa 2011 agus fosta leagadh síos braiteoir teirmeach ag an tslí isteach go Limistéar Pháirc an Chaoluisce ar an 21ú Aibreán 2011. Beidh an t-eolas seo, nuair a bheidh sé dearbhaithe a bheith bailí agus calabraithe, ríthábhachtach maidir le hiniúchadh sheachadadh ár bhfeidhme sa turasóireacht mhuirí i gceantar Chairlinn agus soláthróidh sé uimhreacha inchomparáide i ndiaidh dó a bheith in úsáid tamall. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Aguisín 1 – Torthaí Le Hais Spriocanna Tosaíochtaí, Cuspóirí Agus Spriocanna do 2011 TOSAÍOCHT: CAOMHNÚ AGUS COSAINT CUSPÓIR 1

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

CROÍ-GHNÍOMHAÍOCHT 1.1

Soláthar eolais

1.2

Bainistiú

1.3

Cothú

SPRIOC FEIDHMÍOCHTA 1.1.1

Stádas Fionnuisce – Foilsítear tuarascálacha faoi Iúil na bliana dar gcionn.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Baineadh seo amach – Ullmhaíodh agus foilsíodh ar láithreán Gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta ceithre Thuarascáil Stádais Déag ag clúdach seacht n-abhantrach déag. Cuireadh thart fosta in 2011 cóipeanna páipéir chuig cumainn slatiascaireachta le trácht a dhéanamh agus le haiseolas a thabhairt orthu. Eochairaidhm leis an tsraith tuarascálacha stádais abhantraí ná cur le dul i ngleic agus cumarsáid le páirtithe leasmhara maidir le gníomhartha monatóireachta agus caomhnaithe a dhéantar agus le páirtíochtaí caomhnaithe agus cosanta a fhorbairt ar fud na n-abhantrach uile.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

1.1.2

Innéacsanna stoic – tús a chur le taighde le hinnéacsanna stoic a fhorbairt do gach ceann de na fo-abhantracha faoi Eanáir 2011.

Baineadh seo amach – cuireadh tús leis seo i nDeireadh Fómhair 2010 nuair a thosaigh comhairleoirí eolaíochta na Gníomhaireachta ag obair ar na sonraí. Moladh ag an chéad chruinniú eile i bhFeabhra 2011 gur cheart go mbeadh sé seo mar bhunús tionscadail ag leibhéal MRes trí IBIS mar gheall ar an mhéid oibre a bhain leis. Cuireadh moill nach bhféadfaí a sheachaint air seo mar gheall ar bhronnadh mall litir thairisceana an IBIS. Mar sin féin, socraíodh go bhfógrófaí an MRes ag cruinniú de Bhord Bainistíochta an IBIS ag cruinniú i mBealtaine 2012 le cur i gcrích in 2013.

1.1.3

Tuarascálacha Stádais Uisce Mhairbh - Foilsítear tuarascálacha faoi Iúil na bliana dar gcionn.

Baineadh cuid de seo amach – tugadh faoi shuirbhéanna atá comhlíontach de réir WFD ar Loch an Chairn, Loch Easa, Loch Muc agus Loch Mhúrna. Tá an dréachtú ag brath ar fhorbairt iomlán na huirlise aicmithe éisc agus í a bheith ar fáil. Táthar ag dul i gcomhairle le páirtithe leasmhara faoi láthair.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

1.2.1

Rialúchán – soláthróimid rialúchán cuí le hoibleagáidí Reachtúla a sheachadadh agus le héifeachtúlacht Rialúchán a athbhreithniú faoi dheireadh Eanáir 2011 agus soláthróimid dréachtleasuithe, cúlghairm nó rialúcháin nua faoi dheireadh Meithimh 2011.

Baineadh seo amach – cuireadh athbhreithniú inmheánach i gcrích faoi Eanáir 2011. Cuireadh isteach dréachtleasuithe i gcomhair comhairliúcháin chuig na Ranna Urraíochta taobh istigh de na scálaí ama a leagadh síos. Is é CATT a rialaíonn an próiseas rialála.

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1.2.2

Athchóiriú – tabharfaimid faoi fhorbairt 2 thionscadal athchóirithe faoi mhí na Nollag 2011.

Baineadh seo amach – cuireadh críoch le tionscadail athchóirithe, ar an tSruthail uachtarach den chuid is mó, agus críochnaíodh tionscadail eile in abhantrach an Fheabhail.

1.2.3

Forfheidhmiú – leanfaimid orainn de bheith ag comhlíonadh dualgais fhorfheidhmithe de réir an pholasaí fhoilsithe agus na bprionsabal a bhaineann le rialáil níos fearr ar feadh 2011.

Baineadh seo amach – cuireadh isteach na comhaid ionchúisimh uile in 2011 taobh istigh de na scálaí cuí ama. Tugadh clár oiliúna d’Fhaireoirí Abhann Príobháideacha agus do na hoibrithe deonacha atá 70 bliain d’aois nó os a chionn. Tugadh oiliúint agus faisnéis do sheirbhísí póilíneachta.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Baineadh seo amach – tá na háiritheoirí éisc uilig ag feidhmiú ach ceann na Carriage atáthar a uasghrádú agus a chóiriú i ndiaidh go ndearna leac oighir dámaiste dó. Cuireadh bail ar áiritheoir Mhuileann an tSiáin i ndiaidh go ndearna leac oighir dámaiste dó in Eanáir 2011.

1.3.1

An Bradán – comhlíonadh spriocanna bainistíochta do gach ceann de na habhannchórais faoi mhí na Nollag 2011.

1.3.2

Baineadh seo amach – Breac donn, breac geal agus iasc garbh – cruinneoimid sonraí cruinníodh sonraí ar óga bonnlíne faoi mhí na Nollag 2011. an bhric trí shuirbhéanna leitheadacha leictriascaireachta ar fud limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Tiomsaíodh na sonraí bonnlíne seo agus tá siad ar fáil nuair a bhíonn gá leo. Cruinníodh sonraí bonnlíne ar an iasc garbh ar roinnt lochanna – Loch an Chairn, Loch Easa, Loch Muc agus Loch Mhúrna.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

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1.3.3

Breac geal – tabharfaimid isteach measnúnachtaí bliantúla stoic agus cuirfimid tús leo faoi Mheitheamh 2011.

Baineadh cuid de seo amach – chuir tús mall thionscadal taighde an IBIS moill ar an obair. Tá mac léinn PhD anois ceaptha agus táthar ag súil go dtosófar ar an obair ar an 15ú Meitheamh 2012. Rinneadh suirbhé ar shrutháin bheaga fhéideartha giniúna breac geal thart ar Inis Eoghain in 2011. Cuireadh tús le clár monatóireachta in 2011 ar Shruthán Alt na Rí, craobhabhainn d’Abhainn Bhaile an Mhuilinn a bhfuil cáil uirthi as a breac geal. Bailíodh sonraí tacaíochta ar stoic na n-óg do na haibhneacha seo a leanas: An Ró, an Fhochain, Abhainn Chúl Dabhcha agus Abhainn Bhaile an Mhuilinn.

1.3.4

102

Liús – tabharfaimid isteach athrú Baineadh seo amach – rialála leis an Liús a chosaint faoi ullmhaíodh cáipéisí do scrúdú réamhchomhairliúcháin choiste mhí na Nollag 2011. reachtaíochta DARD (RTFR).

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

TOSAÍOCHT: DOBHARSHAOTHRÚ AGUS SLIOGIASCAIGH CUSPÓIR 2

Dobharshaothrú a Cheadúnú agus a Fhorbairt

CROÍ-GHNÍOMHAÍOCHT 2.1

Soláthar eolais

2.2

Bainistiú

2.3

Cothú

SPRIOC FEIDHMÍOCHTA 2.1.1

Stádas Loch Mara - Foilsítear tuarascálacha faoi Iúil na bliana dar gcionn.

Baineadh seo amach – cuireadh bailiú na sonraí i gcrích. Tá na Tuarascálacha Stádais críochnaithe. Bhí an t-eolas seo ar fáil go mall i Meán Fómhair agus eisíodh na tuarascálacha do pháirtithe leasmhara agus foilsíodh iad ar láithréan Gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta. Ní dhearnadh an mheastóireacht ná an t-iniúchadh ar oibreacha dobharshaothraithe i gceantair na Gníomhaireachta mar gheall ar an easpa dul chun cinn i bhforbairt an chomhaontaithe bhainistíochta do Loch Feabhail agus an mhoill in aistriú na gceadúnas reatha ó DARD go DAMF.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

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2.1.2

Léirshamhlacha Acmhainn Iompair – iad seo a fhorbairt agus a thabhairt chun cinn do gach Loch Mara ar feadh na bliana.

Baineadh cuid de seo amach – bailíodh sonraí agus bainfear úsáid astu aon uair amháin a bheidh an Acmhainn Iompair forbartha. Rinneadh teagmháil leis na Gníomhaireachtaí ábhartha leis na téarmaí tagartha maidir le forbairt na léirshamhlacha a thabhairt chun cinn. Forbraíodh páipéar roghanna faoin bhealach chun tosaigh is fearr le léirshamhail a sheachadadh do Loch Feabhail.

2.2.1

104

Ceadúnú – bunóimid agus feidhmeoimid ceadúnú an Dobharshaothraithe ar Loch Feabhail agus déanfaimid athbhreithniú ar oibriú an Dobharshaothraithe ar Loch Cairlinn faoi mhí na Nollag 2011.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Níor baineadh seo amach – Tá an Ghníomhaireacht ag fanacht ar sheachadadh an Chomhaontaithe Bhainistíochta leis an cheist seo a thabhairt ar aghaidh.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2.2.2

2011

Baineadh seo amach – Cuireadh Tuarascáil ar Tháirgeadh – foilseoimid táirgeadh ilchineálach suirbhéanna i gcrích ar an dá loch mara. Bhí an Tuarascáil bonnlíne maidir le gach ar Shuirbhé Earraigh an Oisre speiceas dobharshaothraithe déanta againn agus tugadh agus sliogiascach agus d’iascairí í agus tá sí anois ar déanfaimid meastóireacht ar fáil ar láithreán Gréasáin na inbhuanaitheacht. Gníomhaireachta. Cuireadh an t-iniúchadh ar iascach an oisre fhiáin ar Loch Feabhail i gcrích fosta. Níl aon lonnaíocht diúilicín fhiáin ar na lochanna mara faoi láthair, leanfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht orthu a chuardach lonnaíochtaí dhá uair sa bhliain. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht ag fanacht ar sheachadadh an Chomhaontaithe Bhainistíochta le ceadúnú dobharshaothraithe a thabhairt chun cinn.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

105

2.2.3

Tionchar ar an Timpeallacht – Aontóimid paraiméadair mhonatóireachta timpeallachta le comheagraíochtaí faoi mhí na Nollag 2011.

Baineadh seo amach – Forbraíodh paraiméadair mhonatóireachta timpeallachta agus bronnadh iad ar na comheagraíochtaí faoi dheireadh 2011. Forbraíodh prótacal suirbhéireachta éan leis na measúnachtaí cuí a nuashonrú don dá loch mara agus déanfar é a sheachadadh ar bhunús bliantúil ó 2012. Forbraíodh prótacal suirbhéireachta speicis ionracha agus déanfar go bliantúil é o 2011 ar an dá loch mara.

TOSAÍOCHT: FORBAIRT CUSPÓIR 3

Turasóireacht Mhuirí agus Slatiascaireacht a Fhorbairt

CROÍGHNÍOMHÚ 3.1

Soláthar eolais

3.2

Bainistiú

3.3

Cothú

SPRIOC FEIDHMÍOCHTA 3.1.1

106

Baineadh cuid de seo amach. Athbhreithniú a dhéanamh Dréacht-athbhreithniú i gcrích. ar straitéisí d’Fhorbairt na Rinneadh comhairliúchán Turasóireachta Muirí agus inmheánach. Tabharfar seo chuig na Slatiascaireachta agus an Fhóram Chomhairleach nuair comhairliúchán a dhéanamh ar an toradh faoi Mheitheamh 2011. a athbhunófar é in 2012.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

3.1.2

Baineadh cuid de seo amach. Thurasóireachta Mhuirí agus Slatiascaireacht. Tuarascálacha Dréachtaíodh Tuarascáil Stádais le foilsiú faoi mhí na Nollag 2011. ar Thurasóireacht Mhuirí in 2011. Foilseofar é ar fháil an aiseolais ó chomhairliúchán inmheánach. Lorgófar inteirn le cuidiú le soláthar na Tuarascála Stádais ar Shlatiascaireacht.

3.1.3

Sainaithint deiseanna faoi Dheireadh Fómhair 2011.

Baineadh cuid de seo amach. I bpáirt le hearnálacha eile, bhunaigh an Ghníomhaireacht ionad oiliúna do sheoltóireacht agus é aitheanta ag an RYA ina fhoirgneamh féin taobh leis an Fheabhal. Líon sé seo bearna san áit nach raibh aon soláthar dá leithéid i gceantar an Fheabhail. Shainaithin an fhoireann forbartha deiseanna d’oibreacha sa todhchaí. Cuimsíonn an Tuarascáil Stádais ar Thurasóireacht Mhuirí rannóg deiseanna forbartha. Tairgfidh an Ciste Forbartha Inbhuanaithe meicníocht le cuidiú le forbairt ó bhun deiseanna in earnáil na turasóireachta muirí agus na slatiascaireachta.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

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3.1.4

Turasóireacht mhuirí agus slatiascaireacht a chur chun cinn i gceantar an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

Baineadh seo amach. Rinneadh freastal ar sheónna cur chun cinn slatiascaireachta i Sasana (dhá sheó), in Albain, i bPoblacht na hÉireann agus sa Ghearmáin. I measc na seónna eile cur chun cinn bhí: laethanta ar shábháilteacht ar muir ag Creamhchoill (ceantar Chairlinn) agus sa Chaisleán Nua (ceantar an Fheabhail); tacaíocht do shraith seoltóireachta náisiúnta GP14 ar Loch Feabhail; tacaíocht báid shábháilteachta do roinnt geallta bád seoltóireachta; agus bád tacaíochta d’iomramh idir Íle agus Inis Eoghain. I bpáirt le Comhairle Cathrach Dhoire agus Port Dhoire, leanann Cúrsáil an Iarthuaiscirt orthu mar fhoras de bheith ag cur réigiún an Fheabhail chun cinn do chuairteanna longa cúrsála (go cathair mhúrtha Dhoire, Lios an Chalaidh agus an Caisleán Glas, Contae Dhún na nGall. Rinneadh trí phíosa litríochta ar churachóireacht agus ar chadhcáil mhara ag úsáid eolas inmheánach. Is iad na píosaí atá i gceist: Conair Churachóireachta an Oirdheiscirt, Conair Churachóireachta an Fheabhail agus Conair Chadhcála Mara

108

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 3.1.4

2011

Oirthear Inis Eoghain. I measc na ndeiseanna eile cur chun cinn bhí: tacaíocht do lucht eagraíochta na Féile Oisrí agus na Seachtaine Oidhreachta (i gCairlinn) agus freatsal NCFFI ag an Chomórtas Baile Sóisir Idirnáisiúnta (garbhshlatiascaireacht) agus Craobh Sinsir an Domhain (garbhshlatiascaireacht).

3.1.5

Maoiniú féideartha a shainaithint. Baineadh seo amach. Fiosraíodh deiseanna Bhealach Cósta Mhúrna leis an NITB agus le Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir agus Mhúrna. Lorgaíodh cisteoirí meaitseála do threoir ar chonair churachóireachta an Fheabhail agus an Oirdheiscirt. Lorgaíodh ranníocaíocht ó fhorais eile, ó pháirtithe leasmhara agus ón earnáil phríobháideach do mhórán tionscadal.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

109

110

3.2.1

Úsáid a bhaint as airgead atá ar fáil ó INTERREG.

3.2.2

An Ciste Forbartha Inbhuanaithe Níor baineadh seo amach. Ní a oibriú. raibh na foirmeacha faofa uile faoi réir le seachdadh an chiste a cheadú. Feidhmeofar é in 2012.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Baineadh seo amach. Líonadh Post Interreg an Oifigigh Airgeadais, Mhonatóireachta agus Luachála i mBealtaine 2011. Leanann an fhoireann forbartha orthu ag feidhmiú chlár Interreg. Tugadh cáipéisí do Phort Dhoire le ceapadh conraitheora ar dhá thionscadal a éascú – beart lár cathrach do longa cúrsála agus pontúin d’imeachtaí muirí ardáin. Tugadh cáipéisí fosta do Chomhairle Buirge Léim an Mhadaidh agus do Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall le réamhoibreacha deartha a éascú do thionscadail ag Binn Eoghain agus Ceann Mhálainne faoi seach.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 3.2.3

2011

Cistiú malartach a sheachadadh. Baineadh seo amach. Is cisteoir 50% iad Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna i rannóg cheantar Chairlinn de Bhealach Cósta Mhúrna, is iad NITB an cisteoir eile don tionscadal. Chuidigh cistiú meaitseála an údaráis áitiúil le déanamh conairí curachóireachta an Fheabhail agus an Oirdheiscirt. Rinneadh dearadh, taighde agus cóipscríobh go hinmheánach do threoirleabhar Chonair Cadhcála Mara Oirthear Inis Eoghain. Mheaitseáil Comhairle Ceantair an tSratha Báin cistiú na Gníomhaireachta d’imeacht Lá Náisiúnta Conairí ar an Fheabhal.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

111

TOSAÍOCHT: CORPARÁIDEACH CUSPÓIR 4

Ár bhfreagrachtaí agus ár n-údarás de réir reachtaíochta a chomhlíonadh go héifeachtach agus go héifeachtúil.

CROÍGHNÍOMHAÍOCHT 4.1

Eolas a sholáthar

4.2

Bainistiú

4.3

Cothú

SPRIOC FEIDHMÍOCHTA 4.1.1

Tuarascálacha agus Ráitis Airgeadais Bhliantúla a fhoilsiú de réir riachtanais na reachtaíochta agus taobh istigh d’amscálaí aontaithe.

Baineadh seo amach – tá Tuarascálacha agus ráitis airgeadais bhliantúla 2008 agus 2009 leagtha síos agus foilsithe. Tugadh dréachtráitis Airgeadais 2010 do NIAO taobh istigh de na treoirlínte sonraithe. Thug CATT na dréachtráitis dá n-aire agus tá CATT anois ag deánamh a machnaimh ar an dréacht deiridh ar a n-áirítear tagairt don tuarascáil iniúchta. Thug CATT an dréacht-tuarascáil bhliantúil dá n-aire agus tá sí anois aistrithe.

4.1.2

112

Athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar pholasaithe na foirne agus na Gníomhaireachta, faomhadh a lorg, iad a fhoilsiú ar an inlíon agus iad a chur i bhfeidhm faoi Mheán Fómhair 2011.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Baineadh seo amach – Polasaithe eatramhacha aontaithe le TUS le cur i bhfeidhm le héifeacht ó 1 Eanáir 2012.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 4.1.3

Seirbhís chustaiméirí a fheabhsú de réir comhaontaithe agus feidhmiú na cairte custaiméirí agus athbhreithniú ar chód na saorála faisnéise agus é a fhoilsiú ar an láithréan gréasáin faoi mhí na Nollag 2011.

2011

Baineadh seo amach – cuireadh oiliúint maidir le seirbhís chustaiméirí ar an fhoireann tosaigh agus dréachtaíodh an chairt chustaiméirí agus aontaíodh í leis an Fhoireann Ard-Bhainistíochta. Rinneadh an t-athbhreithniú ar an chód saorála faisnéise gan gá le haon leasúchán. Comhlánaíodh ceistneoir seirbhís chustaiméirí agus tá athbhreithniú á dhéanamh ar ár bplean gníomhaíochta maidir le cumarsáidí.

4.2.1

Acmhainní a bhainistiú de réir na Baineadh seo amach – mbuiséad bliantúil aontaithe. caiteachas taobh istigh den bhuiséad a leithdháileadh. Cuireadh tuarascálacha bainistíochta míosúla i láthair na Foirne Ard-Bhainistíochta agus cuireadh 9 ndréachtráiteas airgid míosúla i láthair Fhochoiste Iniúchta na Gníomhaireachta.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

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114

4.2.2

Feidhmíocht na Gníomhaireachta Baineadh páirt de seo amach a thomhas agus a bhainistiú. – tosaíodh ar obair le modh scórchárta cothromaithe do thuairisciú feidhmíochta a fhorbairt, mar sin féin, níor cuireadh i gcrích feidhmiú an scórcharta ar fud na Gníomhaireachta. Tá córais feidhmíochta atá ann anois in úsáid fós mar mhodhanna le tuairisciú chuig Ranna Urraíochta agus chuig Bord Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna.

4.2.3

Oiliúint agus forbairt a sholáthar don fhoireann agus do pháirtnéirí tacaíochta (ar nós Faireoirí Abhann príobháideacha).

Baineadh seo amach – thug an Ghníomhaireacht tacaíocht don fhoireann maidir le freastal ar chúrsaí agus ar sheimineáir ar feadh na bliana. Tá na mionsonraí ar na cúrsaí a ndearnadh freastal orthu sa Rannóg Chorparáideach de Thuarascáil Bhliantúil 2011.

4.2.4

Tuiscint an phobail a mhéadú ar na háiseanna a bhaineann le ceantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

Baineadh seo amach – d’fhan an líon cuairteoirí ar an Ionad Faire Abhann seasmhach i rith 2011 agus cuireadh fáilte roimh ár 100,000ú cuairteoir i Márta 2011.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 4.3.1

Cumarsáid a fheabhsú.

2011

Baineadh seo amach – chuir an Ghníomhaireacht tús le hathbhreithniú ar an láithréan Gréasáin agus d’fhorbair siad láithréan Gréasáin nua atá dírithe níos mó ar pháirtithe leasmhara ina bhfuil rannóg nua ar gach ceann de na Stiúrthóireachtaí. Is é an spriocdháta i gcomhair chríochnú an láithreáin, táthar ag súil, Feabhra 2012. Foilsíodh an chairt nua custaiméirí ar láithreán Gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta. Tá clár d’imeachtaí for-rochtana ar siúl i scoileanna agus i ngrúpaí pobail áitiúla.

4.3.2

Rialachas Corparáideach maith a Baineadh seo amach – tá choinneáil. tuarascáil bhliantúil agus cuntais bhliantúla 2008 agus 2009 foilsithe. Cheadaigh an CATT tuarascáil bhliantúil 2010 agus aistríodh í ag fanacht ar leagan amach deiridh chuntais 2010. Tionlóladh cruinnithe rialta fochoiste iniúchta agus bainistíocht riosca agus tá na cláir riosca agus chalaoise cothrom le dáta.

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115

116

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2011

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

2011

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117

118

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Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts Contents Foreword

2011 121

Brief History

121

Statutory Background

121

Result for the Year

122

Performance Targets

122

Principal Activities

122

Statement of Accountable Person’s Responsibilities

128

Statement on Internal Control

129

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

136

Income and Expenditure Account

139

Statement of Total Recognised Gains & Losses

141

Balance Sheet

142

Cash Flow Statement

144

Notes to the Accounts

146

Accounting Policies

146

Superannuation Scheme

148

Staff Costs and Board Remuneration

149

Revenue and Capital Grants

153

Marine & Angling Tourism INT IV

153

IBIS Grants

154

Ordinary Income

154

Programme expenses

155

Administrative Expenses

156

10.

Tangible Fixed Assets

157

11.

Debtors and Prepayments

158 Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

119

12.

Creditors and Accruals

159

13.

Capital Grants

159

14.

Deferred Revenue Grants

160

15.

Superannuation Scheme

161

16.

General Reserve

166

17.

Revaluation Reserve

166

18.

Commitments

167

19.

Contingent Liabilities

168

20.

Post Balance Sheet Events

169

21.

Operating Lease

169

22.

Related Party Transactions

170

23.

Financial Instruments

170

24.

Losses and Special Payments

171

Appendix 1- Accounts Direction

120

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172

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2011

Foreword The Board presents the financial accounts for the year ended 31 December 2011. 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. The functions of the Irish Lights Commission have not yet transferred to the Lights Agency of the FCILC, as this requires amendment to the current United Kingdom legislation. This situation is currently being considered under the St

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Andrews Review. 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 Surplus of Stg (£343,708) / (€396,021) for the year ended 31 December 2011 (2010: deficit of £658,884 Stg / €767,735). 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 and a business plan for 2011. This was also approved in July 2011. As the activities of the Loughs Agency do not correlate with measuring its performance against 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: The strategic priorities of the Loughs Agency, within the Corporate Plan, can be grouped into 6 major areas: 1) 2) 3) 4)

122

To conserve, protect, manage and improve the Fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas ; To develop the recreational fisheries areas of the Foyle and Carlingford areas; To develop Marine Tourism; To license, manage and develop aquaculture and shellfisheries;

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 5) 6)

2011

To pursue increased efficiency and continuous improvement in the transparent and equitable delivery of services to all our customers; 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. 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 2011 was £812 / €936 (2010 was £29,280 / €34,117) Post Balance Sheet Events There were no post balance sheet events in the period ending 31 December 2011. Charitable Donations The Loughs Agency made no charitable donations during the year.

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Board Members Mr Tarlach O’Crosain Ms Jacqui McConville Mr Enda Bonner Mr Brendan Byrne Mr John Byrne Mr Denis Haughey Mr Alan McCulla Mr Joe Miller Mr John Mulcahy Mr Winston Patterson Mr Thomas Sloan Mr Jim Wilson Mrs Teresa McLaverty Mr Don Tipping Mr Michael McCormick Mr Andrew Duncan Mr Seamus Rodgers Mrs Phil Mahon

Chairperson (Re-Appointed Member 13/12/11) Vice Chairperson (Term Ended 12/12/11) (Term Ended 12/12/11) (Term Ended 12/12/11) (Term Ended 12/12/11) (Term Ended 12/12/11) (Re-Appointed Vice-chair 13/12/11) (Re-Appointed Member 13/12/11) (Term Ended 12/12/11) (Re-Appointed Chairperson 13/12/11) (Re-Appointed Member 13/12/11) (Re-Appointed Member 13/12/11) (Appointed Member 13/12/11) (Appointed Member 13/12/11) (Appointed Member 13/12/11) (Appointed Member 13/12/11) (Appointed Member 13/12/11) (Appointed Member 13/12/11)

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

124

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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. 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. 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 (2011: 98%) (2010: 88.60%) of bills were paid within this standard.

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125

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. 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. Audit As Chief Executive and Accounting Officer 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 about which I am aware that the

126

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2011

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 House of the Oireachtas are included at pages 11 and 12. Accounting Officer Mr Derick Anderson, Chief Executive, is the accountable person of the Loughs Agency. D Anderson Chief Executive and Accounting Officer 3rd July 2012

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127

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 34. 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.

128

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2011

Statement on Internal Control 1: Scope of Responsibility 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 sponsoring Departments. 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, the Foyle Fisheries Act (NI) 1952 (as amended) and the Foyle Fisheries Act 1952 (as amended). The Agency formulates its Corporate Plan and Objectives after it has taken full cognisance of the primary legislation in both jurisdictions, the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC) Board, its sponsoring Departments, the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and the Foyle and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum. The Corporate Plan sets out the objectives over a three year period (201113) and a 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 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), 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 Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

129

the Departments directly or by the Loughs Agency, through its board under delegated authority. 2: 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 2011 and up to the date of approval of the annual report and accounts, and it accords with the Finance Departments’ guidance. 3: 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. 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 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.

130

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2011

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. 4: The risk and control framework The Loughs Agency continued to update its risk register during 2011 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 2011 the following:• •

•

Benchmark Review completed on the Agency’s Risk Register in 2011 in line with NIAO “Good Practice in Risk Management” (June 2011) 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. Evidence of how risks have been managed 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; 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. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

131

5: 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: • Comprehensive budgeting systems with quarterly review of budgets against actual and agreement by the (SMT) and audit committee; • Chief Executive Officer (CEO) monitors irregularity reports for procurement variances identified when comparing the purchase orders to the invoice payments; • Regular reviews by management of financial reports including bank reconciliations, payment schedules, grant in aid and other income; • Clearly defined capital investment control guidelines; • Improved Procurement procedures and guidelines and appropriate formal project management disciplines in place; • Formal business cases in place for expenditure >£1k; • The risk management committee continues to update the risks previously identified and update the Agency’s Risk Register. In addition actions have been identified and allocated to relevant Loughs Agency staff. • Senior Managers within the Loughs Agency have been given a timetable of events in support of the performance of the respective reviews of effectiveness. • Following the reviews of effectiveness I am provided with annual 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.

132

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Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts •

2011

4 meetings of the Audit and Finance and Personnel Committee took place in 2011 at which the progress of the risk management process was reviewed, and all Internal Audit reports and NIAO Management Letters points were addressed.

The Loughs Agency has an agreement with the Internal Audit Units of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) to carry out joint internal audit testing of the Agency. The work of the internal audit units is informed by analysis of the risk to which the Loughs Agency is exposed and annual internal audit plans are based on this analysis. 6: Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) Note 8 on Page 23 shows that 3 ex-gratia payments of £15,000 (€17,283) were made as a result of letters of offer previously made through the Agency’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) in 2011. (2010: £Nil (€Nil). North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) approval was obtained at the Aquaculture and Marine Matters Sectoral Meeting on 21st November 2007 and the Agency’s Business Plan for 2008 which presented the Sustainable Development Plan and associated budget also obtained NSMC and Finance Ministers approval. It was subsequently identified that these approvals were not fully compliant with Paragraph 2.3 of Part 7 of Annex 2 to the Implementation Bodies Agreement, as set out in Schedule 1 to the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British Irish Agreement Act 1999, which requires specific approval by the Finance Ministers for the arrangements for providing financial assistance through grant schemes such as the SDF. In seeking these approvals the Agency prepared a Business Case which was submitted in 2010. All payments in respect of the Sustainable Development Fund were suspended until the Departments of Finance had considered the business case. The Business Case has now received Finance Department’s approval and was also approved by the North South Ministerial Council at their Sectoral meeting on 4th July 2011. The Agency has now clarified issues regarding “state aid” and anticipates reintroducing the scheme in early 2012. 7: Internal Control Issues The Internal Audit of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have provided a report on their investigations in relation to the procurement of the monitoring vessel (the MMV Ostrea).

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133

Both Internal Audit departments gave a satisfactory opinion as to the adequacy of the internal control environment operating within the Agency, subject to implementation of agreed responses. Some improvements are required to enhance the adequacy and/or effectiveness of internal control which received a Priority 1 rating. These include: •

The Chief Executive has still no formal Contract in place. This recommendation has been outstanding from 2005. Discussions are still on-going with the sponsor department (Fisheries and Rural Policy Division) and DFP and it is outside the control of the Agency.

•

The Financial Memorandum is dated April 2005. The Loughs Agency’s Financial Memorandum is part of a wider review of the Financial Memoranda of all of the North/South bodies and an updated version was submitted to both Finance Departments in September 2010 however; this has not yet been agreed.

The Agency’s Board and Audit Sub Committee have written to its Sponsor Departments on both of the above issues.

134

•

As highlighted in the 2010 Statement of Internal Control, the October 2011 internal audit report on the MMV Ostrea noted a number of significant areas of concern in respect of the procurement of this vessel. Control issues included weaknesses in the specification and management of the refit works and an undeclared conflict of interest. Since this report there has been project management training for key personnel and the MMV Ostrea is a standing agenda item on Board meetings. A post project review was also completed in November 2011. As regards the EU grant of £450K awarded for this vessel, which was received through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the European Commission are now querying the vires of this grant. The Loughs Agency will continue to consider the implications of this issue for both its financial statements and any future grant applications.

•

Concerns were raised with the format of the Agency’s stewardship report template, the format of the risk register and also non-compliance with internal IT security protocols. These will all being addressed in 2012.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

There were a number of other recommendations that had a Risk Category rating of 2 and 3. Many of these were progressed and implemented during 2011. For the purposes of this Statement of Internal Control we have only noted those with Priority rating 1. D Anderson Chief Executive and Accounting Officer 3rd July 2012

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135

Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission Loughs Agency 2011 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 31st December 2011 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

136

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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 Foreword to identify material inconsistencies with the audited accounts. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our certificate. In addition, 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 Dáil Eireann 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 have been applied to the purposes intended by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Dáil Eireann and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them. Emphasis of Matter – Potential Loss of Capital Grant Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to note 19 of the accounts which sets out details of the potential loss by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of all or part of a European Commission grant of up to £450,000 (€536,000). To the extent that the related expenditure is deemed to be ineligible, recovery in full or in part may be sought from the Body. 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 31st December 2011 and of its surplus, 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) 1999 and the British/Irish Agreement Act 1999 and directions issued thereunder. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

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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. 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 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.

138

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.

4th July 2012

9th July 2012

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts Income and Expenditure Account

Income

Note

2011

2010

2011

2010

£ Stg

€

Revenue grants from departments

Net deferred funding for pensions

695,667

635,190

801,548

740,123

Marine & Tourism INT IV Grant IBIS Grant

5 6

36,497 28,000

25,654 -

42,052 32,261

29,892 -

Ordinary income

138,018

135,238

159,024

157,578

EU and government grants released

519,006

374,860

597,999

436,787

Profit on disposal of grant assets

31,936

66,038

36,797

76,948

Bailiffing

10,341

7,660

11,915

8,924

Interest received

4,213,491 3,217,424

4,854,784 3,748,942

5,672,956 4,462,064

6,536,380 5,199,194

2,983,084 2,880,684

3,437,109 3,356,573

Expenditure Staff and Board costs

Marine & Tourism INT IV grant disbursements

36,497

25,654

42,052

29,892

IBIS grant disbursements

28,000

32,261

Programme expenses

515,051

535,365

593,442

623,807

Administrative expenses

Currency exchange

1,224,344 1,240,860 10,616

14,933

1,410,689 1,445,850 12,232

17,400

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139

Loss on disposal of fixed assets Depreciation Operating (deficit) /surplus taken to reserves

13,115 10

15,566

518,541 407,886 5,329,248 5,120,948 343,708 (658,884)

15,111

597,463 475,269 6,140,359 5,966,929 396,021 (767,735)

All amounts relate to continuing activities.

The notes on pages 146 to 171 form part of these accounts.

140

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

18,138

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Statement of Total Recognised Gains & Losses for the year ended 31 December 2010 Note

2011 £ Stg

2010 £ Stg

2011 €

2010 €

Surplus (Deficit) on continuing operations after depreciation

343,708

(658,884)

396,021

(767,735)

Unrealised deficit on revaluation of fixed assets

(54,786)

(299,082)

(65,376)

(349,089)

Actuarial gain in respect of pension scheme

(149,735) (1,048,447)

(373,012) (1,177,375)

Total recognised gain relating to the year

139,187 (1,278,093)

158,120 (1,489,836)

Adjustment for deferred pension asset

149,735

320,127

172,525

Total recognised (loss) /gains relating to the year

288,922

(957,966)

330,645

Opening reserves

1,170,571

2,128,537

1,366,290

Total recognised loss relating to the year

288,922

(957,966)

373,012

Reconciliation

Currency Translation Adjustment Closing reserves

1,459,493

1,170,571

2,365,443

330,645 (1,116,824)

44,679

117,671

1,741,614

1,366,290

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141

Balance Sheet Fixed Assets

Note

2011 £ Stg

2010 £ Stg

2011 €

2010 €

Tangible fixed assets

5,123,336

5,505,736

6,113,677

6,426,295

314,487

278,041

375,278

324,531

577,735

336,255

689,411

392,476

892,222

614,296

1,064,689

717,007

471,628

539,292

562,794

629,462

420,594

75,004

501,895

87,545

5,543,930

5,580,740

6,615,572

6,513,840

Current Assets Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Current Liabilities Creditors and accruals

Net Current Assets Total Assets less Current Liabilities Provisions Deferred revenue grants

Superannuation scheme

8,050,910

7,205,508

9,607,151

8,410,269

Deferred Pension funding

(8,050,910) (7,205,508) (9607,151) (8,410,269)

Net Assets

5,543,930

5,580,740

6,615,572

6,513,840

4,084,437

4,410,169

4,873,958

5,147,550

Represented By Deferred Capital grants

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2011

Reserves Revaluation reserve

1,038,899

1,095,567

1,239,719

1,278,745

General reserve

420,594

75,004

501,895

87,545

Total reserves

1,459,493

1,170,571

1,741,614

1,366,290

Total

5,543,930

5,580,740

6,615,572

6,513,840

The notes on pages 146 to 171 form part of these accounts. D Anderson Chief Executive and Accounting Officer

3rd July 2012

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143

Cash Flow Statement Note

2011 £ Stg

2010 £ Stg

2011 €

2010 €

155,815

(986,829)

198,230

(1,082,295)

Capital expenditure and financial investment

(204,041)

(450,424)

(235,094)

(524,833)

Net cash outflow before financing

(48,226)

(1,437,253)

(36,864)

(1,607,128)

Financing

289,706

532,566

333,799

620,545

(Decrease) / increase in Cash

241,480

(904,687)

296,935

(986,583)

Operating surplus / (deficit)

343,708

(658,884)

396,021

(767,735)

Loss / (profit) on disposal of fixed assets

13,115

15,566

15,111

18,138

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

Depreciation

518,541

407,886

597,463

475,269

Capital grant release

(519,006)

(374,860)

(597,999)

(436,787)

Net deferred pension funding

(695,667)

(635,190)

(801,548)

(740,123)

Revenue grant release INT IV

(36,497)

(25,654)

(42,052)

(29,892)

Revenue grant released IBIS

(28,000)

(32,261)

(31,936)

(66,038)

(36,797)

(76,947)

(33)

2,795

(6,022)

(9,712)

Grants receivable

(36,413)

(4,745)

(44,724)

(7,999)

Increase / (decrease) in creditors

(67,664)

(282,895)

(66,668)

(284,234)

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

Pension Current service cost

857,934

808,972

988,512

942,614

Pension benefits paid

(162,267)

(173,782)

(186,964)

(202,491)

16,158

37,605

155,815

(986,829)

198,230

(1,082,295)

(225,209)

(506,912)

(259,486)

(590,653)

39,000

45,443

21,168

17,488

24,392

20,377

(204,041)

(450,424)

(235,094)

(524,833)

Translation exchange difference Net cash outflow from continuing activities Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed assets

Adjustment to Fixed Asset Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment

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Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Reconciliation of financing Capital grants received

225,209

506,912

259,486

590,653

Revenue grant received INT IV

36,497

25,654

42,052

29,892

Revenue grant received IBIS

28,000

32,261

Net cash inflow from financing

289,706

532,566

333,799

620,545

241,481

(904,687)

296,935

(986,583)

At 1 January

336,255

1,240,942

392,476

1,379,059

At 31 December

577,735

336,255

689,411

392,476

(Decrease) / increase in cash in year

241,480

(904,687)

296,935

(986,583)

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

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

145

Notes to the Accounts 1: Accounting Policies a) Basis of Accounting The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention. 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, the Republic of Ireland Companies Acts 1963 to 2009, 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, insofar 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 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) at both the 31 December 2010 and 31st December 2011 and have been included in the financial statements at the revalued amounts. The valuations were undertaken in line with Red book 5th addition published by Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. 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 no depreciation is charged in year of disposal. The current rates applied to Fixed Asset additions are:

146

Land & buildings, Interpretive Centre, Weirs

Various

Boats & boating equipment

15%

Plant & Equipment

25%

Office equipment / Fixtures & Fittings

10%

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Computer equipment

25%

Motor vehicles

25%

c) Currency The Body’s transactions are effected in both sterling and euro. The working currency of the Body is Sterling and transactions are initially recorded in that currency. Transactions in other currencies are translated to Sterling at an average of the previous month exchange rate (this is used as an approximation as exchange rates do not fluctuate significantly). 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 Account is translated using the average exchange rate for the year while the Balance Sheet is translated using the closing exchange rate. The year end rate for 2011 is £stg - €1.1933 (2010: £stg -€1.16720). The average rate for 2011 is £stg - €1.1522 (2010: £stg -€1.1652). Currency adjustments arising from this translation of the financial statements are reflected in Fixed Assets (Note 10), Capital Grants (Note 13), Deferred Revenue Grants (Note 14), Superannuation Scheme (Note 15), General Reserve (Note 16), and the Revaluation Reserve (Note 17). The Bank of England rates are used. d) EU and Government 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) Leases Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to administrative costs on a straight line basis over the terms of the lease. f) 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 2011

147

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 2011, at which time the accrued liability, as per Balance Sheet, was in 2011 £8,050,910 (2010: £7,205,508). Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 17 covers retirement benefits and applies to all financial statements with year ends after June 2001. The liability at 31 December 2011 has been included in the financial statements and a disclosure note has been included (Note 15) detailing the actuarial review calculations by Xafinity. This includes the results of the calculations of the pension liabilities and costs of employees (and ex-employees) of the Loughs Agency for the purposes of the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2011 and comparative figures for 2010. During 2011, discussions continued with Sponsoring Departments and the Departments of Finance, to resolve the difficulties identified in respect of the incompatibility of the pay arrangements 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. During 2007, Arthur Cox, Solicitors, were commissioned to draft a legal paper to further regularise current pension arrangements and report on options for the future. This options paper was submitted to the Sponsoring Departments and discussions are on-going with a view to a resolution. A business case and economic appraisal of those options was presented to the Sponsoring Departments on the 17 June 2011. Discussions

148

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

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2011

are still ongoing and it is anticipated that a resolution of this matter will be completed by the end of December 2012. 3. Staff Costs and Board Remuneration The average monthly number of employees (full time equivalent) was:

2011

2010

Senior Management

Administrative

Field staff and inspectorate

Total

The costs incurred in respect of these employees were: Note

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

1,982,202

1,932,131

2,283,893

2,251,319

161,854

168,552

186,488

196,397

755,736

696,944

870,759

812,079

2,899,792

2,797,627

3,341,140

3,259,795

Board remuneration

79,684

79,348

91,812

92,456

Social security costs

3,608

3,709

4,157

4,322

Total Board costs

83,292

83,057

95,969

96,778

Total Board and staff costs

2,983,084

2,880,684

3,437,109

3,356,573

Staff costs above include the following

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Temporary staff

167,792

121,172

193,330

141,190

Total temporary staff costs

167,792

121,172

193,330

141,190

Gross Social security costs (*) Other pension costs

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

149

The amounts relating to the pay award for 2011 and included as an accrual at 31 December 2011 are as follows: 2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Gross

48,133

50,000

55,459

58,260

Social security costs

3,807

5,000

4,386

5,826

51,940

55,000

59,845

64,086

3. Staff Costs and Board Remuneration cont’d The Chief Executive’s (Derick Anderson aged 64) emoluments including pension scheme contributions were as follows: 2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Gross

71,347

82,206

83,134

Social security costs

7,474

7,104

8,612

8,278

Other pension costs

4,281

4,933

4,988

83,102

82,732

95,751

96,400

The benefit in kind, which relates to the provision of a motor vehicle, attributed to the Chief Executive in 2011 was £3,984/€4,549 (2010: £6,496 / €7,569). The Chief Executive is an ordinary member of the Agency’s pension scheme. Gerard Mills another member of senior management received benefits in kind (a personal issue vehicle) in 2011 of £2,133/€2,758 (2010: £2,744 / €3,197).

150

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2011

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

2011 Gross

Social Security Costs

Age

John Pollock (Corporate Services )

46,760

4,140

Gerard Mills (Development)

43,308

John McCartney (Conservation and Protection)

Barry Fox (Aquaculture & Shellfisheries)

Other Pension Costs

2010 Gross

Social Security Costs

Other Pension Costs

2,779

44,600

3,682

2,649

4,083

2,779

44,159

3,624

2,649

47,363

4,224

2,779

45,203

3,756

2,649

41,707

4,016

2,503

40,722

4,115

2,443

179,138

16,463

10,840

174,684

15,177

10,390

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

151

3 Staff Costs and Board Remuneration cont’d The total of the Board members remuneration including social security costs were as follows: 2011

2010

2011

2010

€

Mr Tarlach O'Crosain

8,434

8,570

9,711

9,985

Ms Jacqui McConville

8,522

8,798

9,812

10,251

Mr John Mulcahy

6,670

6,886

7,679

8,024

Mr Winston Patterson

7,211

6,886

8,302

8,024

Mr Enda Bonner

6,670

6,886

7,679

8,024

Mr Brendan Byrne

6,670

6,886

7,679

8,024

Mr John Byrne

6,670

6,886

7,679

8,024

Mr Alan McCulla

5,572

5,510

6,416

6,420

Mr Joe Miller

5,496

5,510

6,328

6,420

Mr Denis Haughey

5,224

5,510

6,015

6,420

Mr Jim Wilson

5,496

5,510

6,328

6,420

Mr Thomas Sloan

5,496

5,510

6,328

6,420

Mr Don Tipping

349

401

Mr Andrew Duncan

349

401

Mr Micheal McCormick

349

401

Mrs Teresa McLaverty

273

315

Mr Seamus Rodgers

349

401

Mrs Phil Mahon

273

315

80,073

79,348

92,190

92,456

In December 2007 the North / South Ministerial Council appointed the members of the Boards of the North South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland Ltd. The Council also approved the following revised rates of remuneration for members of the Board per annum. Chairperson (2010: £8,570/€12,600), (2009: £8,570/€12,600), Vice-Chairperson (2010: £7,040/€10,350) (2009: £7,040/€10,350) and members for (2010:£5,510/€8,100) (2009: £5,510/€8,100). Board members’ salaries are not pensionable. Republic of Ireland Board members were paid in Euro at the agreed Euro amounts. The apparent overstatement of Sterling Equivalent is solely due to

152

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2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

translation rates used. Current year remuneration includes all current year entitlement. 4. Revenue and Capital Grants Note

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

2,219,350

1,846,593

2,557,135

2,151,650

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

2,219,350

1,846,593

2,557,135

2,151,650

Total

4,438,700

3,693,186

5,114,270

4,303,300

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

225,209

475,762

259,486

554,358

4,213,491

3,217,424

4,854,784

3,748,942

4,438,700

3,693,186

5,114,270

4,303,300

Grants received in year

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

5. Marine & Angling Tourism INTERREG IV grant

Salmon fishermen hardship Interreg IV Grants released

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

36,497

25,654

42,052

29,892

36,497

25,654

42,052

29,892

The INTERREG IV Marine & Angling Tourism payments began in 2009 and related to initial payments for the set up of the funding scheme which has begun in 2011. In the current year claims from INTERREG were received of £36,497 and a grant receivable amount owing remains as a debtor within the accounts (Note 11 e.g. £57,171 from SEUPB).

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153

6. IBIS Grants

IBIS grant released

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

28,000

32,261

28,000

32,261

The IBIS payments due began in 2011 and related mainly to grants amounts owing to Queens University Belfast and Glasgow University in Scotland. In the current year claims were received of £28,000 and a grant receivable amount owing remains as a debtor within the accounts and a corresponding creditor to the Universities. (Note 11 e.g. £28,000 from IBIS). 7. Ordinary Income 2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Licence duties

88,791

85,534

102,305

99,664

Fishery rent and rates

2,976

3,139

3,429

3,658

91,767

88,673

105,734

103,322

Fines and costs recovered

18,461

14,548

21,271

16,951

Sundry receipts (NITB & Whitewater)

27,790

32,017

32,019

37,305

46,251 138,018

46,565 135,238

53,290 159,024

54,256 157,578

Normal activities

Other activities

Total

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Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

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2011

8. Programme expenses

Programme expenses

2011

2010

2011

2010

€

Conservation and Protection

190,625

245,440 219,638 285,987

Marine tourism & Development (to include Angling Fairs & Events)

257,677

265,668 296,896 309,556

Sustainable Development

15,000

Aquaculture & Shellfisheries

51,749 515,051

17,283

24,257 59,625 28,264 535,365 593,442 623,807

Note: 3 ex-gratia payments totalling £15,000 (€17,283) were made as result of letters of offer previously issued under the Agency’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) prior to its suspension in 2010.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

155

9. Administrative Expenses 2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Staff training

59,671

67,840

68,751

79,047

Bank charges

902

1,207

1,039

1,406

Postage

16,206

15,993

18,673

18,635

Advertising

40,625

64,912

46,808

75,637

Light and heat

49,737

36,428

57,307

42,446

Telephone

81,532

69,756

93,941

81,280

Operating lease – rent

40,411

35,273

46,562

41,100

Insurance

142,790

136,601

164,523

159,167

External Audit Fee

22,000

29,000

25,348

33,791

Accountancy

10,812

10,203

12,458

11,889

Motor vehicle expenses

104,464

89,740

120,363

104,565

Boat stores

20,031

6,916

23,080

8,059

Boat maintenance

71,036

133,792

81,848

155,894

Printing and stationery

50,140

37,772

57,770

44,012

Licence dealers’ commission

10,455

4,118

12,046

4,798

Maintenance and repairs

57,201

42,209

65,907

49,182

749

872

Travelling and conference expenses

65,513

63,310

75,484

73,769

Hospitality

14,222

8,729

16,387

10,171

Health and safety

48,436

18,106

55,808

21,097

Cleaning

11,508

11,132

13,260

12,971

Computer consumables & maintenance

38,084

18,475

43,880

21,527

Other equipment costs

43,525

70,971

50,150

82,695

Subscriptions

82,292

79,605

94,817

92,756

Legal and professional fees

121,309

135,689

139,772

158,105

812

29,280

936

34,117

11,081

8,930

12,768

10,405

286

330

5,000

5,826

Counter site expenses

1,670

2,161

1,924

2,518

Licence Fees

7,515

6,510

8,659

7,585

453

528

1,224,344

1,240,860

1,410,689

1,445,850

Miscellaneous

Research programme Tagging expenses Interpretive centre expenses Bad Debt Expense

Childcare Fees

156

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

(2,653)

Disposals

914,934

368,676

965,981

38,223

237,120

31,417

109,072

156,008 5,505,736

154,163 5,123,336

6,910,986

4,274,009

(149,025)

(508,972)

597,463

4,334,543

7,353,837

6,426,295

2,684,305

38,223

85,871

(129,338)

(426,525)

518,541

267,140 3,063,009

(90,805)

57,113

300,832 3,100,331

NBV at 31/12/2010

965,981

29,417

(185,819)

(2,704)

(574,348)

259,486

(927,542)

368,676

174,925

85,871

(161,273)

(2,347)

(481,311)

225,209

421,303 8,186,345 11,184,995

(96,801)

61,264

Currency Translation Adjustment

914,934

32,681

29,417

224,177

(6,451)

56,175

174,453

€

2,684,305

822,140

174,925

11,579

3,909

7,670

456,840 8,606,067 11,688,380

At 31/12/2010

349,749

32,681

846,770

(12,191)

108,958

750,003

310,048

(6,451)

32,974

283,525

Total

6,113,677

866,339

822,140

40,380

5,542

34,838

40,996

1,909

39,087

Total

2,608,051

349,749

(13,017)

47,589

987,123

73,061 1,021,695

73,061

Office Computer Motor equipment equipment vehicles

NBV at 31/12/2011

866,339

988,199

(8,950)

166,282

830,869

1,810,339

(9,021)

22,510

1,796,850

Plant

(797,309)

2,608,051

148,362

19,902

128,460

498,111

975

497,136

Boats & Fixtures boating & fittings equipment

Currency Translation Adjustment

At 31/12/2011

Net Book Value

533,898

At 31/12/2011

55,272

489,566

(10,940)

2,503

(426,525)

45,388

383,640

Depreciation on disposal

Reclassified

Revaluation adjustment

Charge for year

At 1 January 2011

Depreciation

(33,330)

29,067

2,610,554 1,400,237

(2,347)

Impairment

28,920

(481,311)

At 31/12/2011

Weirs Interpretive centre

3,067,945 1,404,500

Revaluation

Fixed Asset Adjustment

Additions

At 1 /01/2011

Cost

Land & buildings

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

10. Tangible Fixed Assets

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

157

11. Debtors and Prepayments 2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Trade debtors

14,841

6,928

17,709

8,086

Prepayments

173,845

209,082

207,449

244,042

Bailiffing

9,000

7,659

10,739

8,940

Other debtors

31,630

5,614

37,746

6,552

Grants receivable

85,171 314,487

48,758 278,041

101,635 375,278

56,911 324,531

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Trade creditors

232,624

370,704

277,590

432,686

Accruals

191,246

164,515

228,214

192,022

Sundry Accruals

47,758 471,628

4,073 539,292

56,990 562,794

4,754 629,462

12. Creditors and Accruals

158

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 13. Capital Grants DCENR / Local Govt

EU Funds

Total

DARD Gross capital grant Note At 1 January 2011 Additions

€

3,265,815

940,085

3,010,121

7,216,021

9,769,274

225,209

259,486

(161,275)

(192,449)

225,209

Disposals

(154,284)

(6,991)

At 31 December

3,336,740

933,094

3,010,121

7,279,955

9,836,311

1,359,352

437,494

1,009,006

2,805,852

3,844,166

Amortised in year

442,613

35,292

41,101

519,006

597,999

Eliminated on

(122,349)

(6,991)

(129,340)

(154,341)

1,679,616

465,795

1,050,107

3,195,518

4,287,824

1,657,124

467,299

1,960,014

4,084,437

5,548,487

2011 Grant amortisation At 1 January

disposal At 31 December Unamortised capital grants At 31 December Currency Translation Adjustment

(674,529)

4,873,958 At 1 January

1,906,463

Currency Translation Adjustment

502,591

2,001,115

4,410,169

5,925,108 (777,558) 5,147,550

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159

14. Deferred Revenue Grants EU Funds £

Total £

Total €

Additions INT IV Programme

36,497

42,052

Additions IBIS

28,000

32,261

At 31 December

64,497

74,313

Released in year INT IV

36,497

42,052

Released in year IBIS Programme

28,000

32,261

64,497

74,313

2011 €

2010 €

At 1 January

Currency translation adjustment At 31 December Net Revenue Grants at 31 December

Note

2011 £

2010 £

Reconciliation of grant income Capital grant amortised in year Revenue grant released in year other

519,006 374,860 597,999 436,787 64,497

25,654

74,313

29,892

583,503 400,514 672,312 466,679

160

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

15. Superannuation Scheme

At 1 January 2010

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

7,205,508

6,249,569

8,410,269

6,945,146

Adjustment

622

724

Employers service cost

755,736

696,944

870,759

812,079

Contributions to pensions by Loughs Agency

102,198

112,028

117,753

130,535

8,063,442

7,059,163

9,398,781

7,888,484

Actuarial losses/(gains)

149,735

320,127

172,525

373,012

Benefits paid

(162,267)

(173,782)

(186,964)

(202,491)

222,809

351,264

7,205,508

9,607,151

8,410,269

Currency Translation adjustment At 31 December 2011

8,050,910

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 2011 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.

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161

Deferred Funding for Pensions The Loughs Agency recognises as an asset a deferred funding asset of £8,050,910 (2010:£7,205,508) as at 31 December 2011. The net deferred funding for pensions recognised in Income & Expenditure in 2011 includes: 2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Funding recoverable in respect of the current year pension costs

857,934

808,972

988,512

942,614

State grant applied to pay pensioners

(162,267) (173,782) (186,964) (202,491)

Deferred Funding for Pensions

695,667

635,190

801,548

740,123

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) b)

If the pensionable service is less than ten years then it should be doubled If it is ten years or more it should be increased to either twenty years or by six 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 2011. 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.

162

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Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Pension payments were also made to individuals who retired in previous years and who had their length of service increased by the additional two thirds of a year (243 days). The value of these additional payments is not known, but will be small and not material. XafinityFRS17 Review at 31 December 2011 As regards the FRS calculations Xafinity noted the following:a)

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 and pension rolls as at the effective date of the calculations. Note that I 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.

For the preparation of the 2010 Financial year disclosures, it was understood from the Agency that inflation would be measured by reference to the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) and last year’s disclosures were prepared accordingly. Since then, the position has been clarified and we have been advised by the Agency that the measure of inflation going forward will the Retail Price Index (RPI).

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163

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.

Assumptions

2011

2010

2011

2010

Rate of future pay increase

4.00%

Rate of pension increase

2.60%

3.10%

Discount rate

4.70%

5.40%

Rate of increases in retail prices

2.60%

3.40%

Average expected life at Age 65 for

Male

Female

Member currently aged 65

23.2 years

25.9 years

Member currently aged 45

25.0 years

27.7 years

Assets of the scheme and expected rate of return

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Actuarial liabilities

(8,050,910)

(7,205,508)

(9,607,151)

(8,410,269)

(Deficit)

(8,050,910)

(7,205,508)

(9,607,151)

(8,410,269)

Current Service cost

(358,579)

(326,748)

(413,155)

(380,727)

Total Current Service cost

(358,579)

(326,748)

(413,155)

(380,727)

Analysis of the Finance Income/Charge

164

Other Finance income/ charge

(397,157)

(370,196)

(457,604)

(431,352)

Total Finance income/ charge Amount recognised in STRGL

(397,157)

(370,196)

(457,604)

(431,352)

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

Change in actuarial assumptions Actuarial (loss)/gain in STRGL

(149,735)

(320,127)

(172,525)

(373,012)

(149,735)

(320,127)

(172,525)

(373,012)

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Movement in deficit during the year (Deficit) at 1 January

(7,205,508)

Adjustment

(6,249,569)

(8,410,269)

(622)

(6,945,146) (724)

Current Service Cost

(358,579)

(326,748)

(413,155)

(380,727)

Member contributions

(102,198)

(112,028)

(117,753)

(130,535)

Other Finance Income/ Charge

(397,157)

(370,196)

(457,604)

(431,352)

Actuarial (loss)/gain in STRGL

(149,735)

(320,127)

(172,525)

(373,012)

Benefits paid

162,267

173,782

186,964

202,491

(222,809)

(351,264)

(9,607,151)

(8,410,269)

Currency Translation adjustment (Deficit) at 31 December

(8,050,910)

(7,205,508)

Deferred Funding Asset for pension Opening balance at 1 January

(7,205,508) (6,249,569) (8,410,269) (6,945,146)

Adjustment Increase / (Decrease) in deferred funding for pension asset Closing balance at 31 December

(622) (845,402)

(724)

(955,317) (1,196,882) (1,464,399)

(8,050,910) (7,205,508) (9,607,151) (8,410,269)

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165

16. General Reserve 2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

At 1 January

75,004

694,846

87,545

772,182

Surplus / (Deficit) for the year

343,708

(658,884)

396,021

(767,735)

16,083

37,528

Exchange difference Transfer from revaluation reserve

1,882

39,042

2,246

45,570

Actuarial (loss)/gain on pension scheme

(149,735)

(320,127)

(172,525)

(373,012)

Adjustment for Deferred Pension Scheme Asset

149,735

320,127

172,525

373,012

At 31 December

420,594

75,004

501,895

87,545

Note: The transfer to I&E of £1,882 is less than last year in order to correct an over release in 2010 17. Revaluation Reserve 2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

At 1 January

1,095,567

1,433,691

1,278,745

1,593,261

Revaluation

(481,311)

31,094

(574,348)

36,293

Revaluation adjustment

426,525

(330,176)

508,972

(385,382)

Transfer to I&E

(1,882)

(39,042)

(2,246)

(45,570)

28,596

80,143

1,239,719

1,278,745

Exchange difference At 31 December

166

1,038,899

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

1,095,567

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

18. Commitments Capital Commitments Contracted for Boat Shed at Headquarters

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

88,744

105,898

Authorised by Loughs Agency but not yet contracted for

Other Commitments (1)

In July 2009 the Agency received a Letter of Offer from the Special EU Programmes Body to the value of €4M 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. Contractors are on site along the left bank of the River Foyle constructing a cruise ship quay and a marine event platform (a large pontoon). Other projects will proceed at Malin Head, Benone, Strabane and at other locations. A finance, monitoring and evaluation officer is in post. Some claims have been processed by the Loughs Agency in 2011 for preliminary expenditure that has been incurred on this programme amounting to £36,497.

(2)

The Loughs Agency as Lead with Partners from the University of Glasgow and Queens University Belfast were successful in securing funding through INTERREG IVA for the project ‘Integrated Aquatic Resource Management between Ireland, N Ireland and Scotland (IBIS)’. The project is managed by an Advisory Committee which is made up of representatives of statutory and non statutory organisations from Ireland, N Ireland and Scotland. Also a Project Manager, Project Administrator and Project Clerical Officer have been employed to implement the project. The total value of the programme is approx £8m and runs from August 2011 to June 2015 expenditure incurred in 2011 was for minimal set up costs.

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167

(3)

The Agency received an out of court settlement on 16th June 2009 £500k 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 2011 was £516,086. A separate SAGE register has been set up for the Trust however it is not included in the Agency’s balance sheet as per the requirements of the agreement. The Accountancy treatment of this is being finalised with the sponsor departments.

(4)

There were no other commitments other than operating leases see note 21

19. Contingent Liabilities The recent NICS settlement of the Equalisation of Pay claim has introduced new pay scales and lump sum arrears payments for Administrative Assistants (AA), Administrative Officer (AO) and EOII grades within the NICS. The Agency’s pay and conditions are directly linked to the NICS and it is awaiting guidance on whether or not this agreement applies to it. If it is confirmed that a compensatory element of this payment has to be made the Agency estimates this contingent liability to be no more than £30k. The European Commission are querying the vires of £450k EC (FIFG) grant awarded to the MMV Ostrea. The Department have provided contrary arguments as to why the grant is vires. Should the EC (FIFG) grant be ineligible, all or part, it is not clear, at this time, whether this loss of up to £450k, will be fully borne by the Department or whether some recovery will be sought from the Agency. However should the EC conclude that the vires of the grant is satisfactory then following the findings of the October 2011 DARD internal audit report on the MMV Ostrea, the Loughs Agency would have to incur a flat rate correction of 10% of the EC (FIFG) funding element of the project. This equates to £45,000 and should be deducted from the final DARD FIFG payment claim. The EC may also conclude that any financial correction should

168

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2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

be a higher percentage. Any loss arising from a financial correction initially rests with the Loughs Agency. There were no other contingent liabilities as at 31 December 2011. 20. Post Balance Sheet Events There were no post balance sheet events for the period ending 31st December 2011. 21. Operating Lease At 31 December 2011 the Agency had an annual commitment under a 5 year short term business letting agreement (signed 15/11/07) for the 1st and 2nd floors of the Darcy Magee Centre, Dundalk Street, Carlingford of Stg£14,960 per year 2011 £14,581/€16,800 (2010: £14,960 /€16,800). The lease agreement is due for renewal on 15/07/2012. Addition a storage unit has been rented in Carlingford, and the rental agreement is renewed annually on 1st July each year, at Stg £12,540 per annum (2010: £12,540/€14,580). A new lease agreement for Greencastle office has been drafted in 2011 which runs for 3 years commencing the 1st of September 2011 annual lease payments are £8,191/€9,438 -2010 annual lease payments are £8,117/€9,438. Operating Lease Expiry

2011 £

2010 £

2011 €

2010 €

< 1 year

35,373

16,853

40,758

19,637

2-5 years

79,266

29,113

91,330

33,922

> 5 years

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169

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. 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. 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.

170

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

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2011

Resources, in sterling and does not engage in trading activities. 24. Losses and Special Payments Under the Loughs Agency’s delegated authority three £5K ex-gratia payments totalling £15,000 were made. The payments resulted from claims for expenditure incurred by applicants who had received Sustainable Development Fund grant letters of offer prior to the suspension of the programme in 2010. There were no other losses or special payments for the year ended 31st December 2011.

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171

Appendix 1 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;

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;

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.

172

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

Maurice Mullen

Date 3rd August 2001

Date 6th September 2001

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2011

2011

ISBN 978-0-9567910-4-7

Loughs Agency

Headquarters 22 Victoria Road, Londonderry BT47 2AB, Northern Ireland

Annual Report & Accounts

2011

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

For the period ended December 2011

Tel: +353 (0)42 938 3888 Fax: +353 (0)42 938 3888 email: carlingford@loughs-agency.org www.loughs-agency.org DARD Media Services 12.13.167