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Annual Report

Covering the Period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024

LOUGHS AGENCY

Annual Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 December 2024

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

Chief Executive’s Overview

As we reflect on the achievements of the past year and look ahead to the future, I am pleased to present the 2024 Annual Report and Accounts for Loughs Agency. This year has been marked by significant progress in our essential mission to conserve and manage the aquatic ecosystems of the Foyle and Carlingford catchments.

In 2024, we continued to enhance our operational efficiency by upgrading our facilities and investing in sustainable practices. The successful completion of the refurbishment of our Carlingford Office and the installation of photovoltaic panels in our Omagh Office illustrate our commitment to environmental stewardship and Climate Change Strategy.

In 2024, Loughs Agency proudly marked the 25th anniversary of the Implementation Bodies, celebrating a quarter of a century of significant contributions to cross-border cooperation and the sustainable management of aquatic resources. To commemorate this milestone, the Agency hosted a major International Symposium in Derry~Londonderry, drawing over 100 scientists, academics, stakeholders and policymakers from around the globe. The two-day event focused on gathering expertise on governance and collaboration in the protection of water, aquatic and marine systems.

2024 saw Loughs Agency also successfully launching its Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy and Action Plans for the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas, marking a significant advancement in our commitment to sustainable fisheries management. This Strategy outlined targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing fish populations and improving habitats, while also fostering sustainable angling practices.

Throughout 2024, Loughs Agency made substantial progress in the implementation of its Climate Action Plan, demonstrating our commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems.

As we navigate challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, we remain focused on accountability, transparency and collaboration. Our commitment to scientific research, investment in fish counter operations and nature-based solutions demonstrate our proactive approach to enhancing aquatic ecosystems while addressing environmental challenges. Our scientific delivery remains critical, guiding our management decisions and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our entire team throughout 2024 and also thank our Board and Sponsor Departments for their continued support.

Chief Executive Officer

Who We Are

Loughs Agency is an agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC), established as one of the North/South Implementation Bodies under the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement, constituted under the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British Irish Agreement Acts 1999 and 2002.

The Board of Loughs Agency reports to the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and its government Sponsor Departments – the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in the North, and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) in the South. The Agency is funded on a 50:50 basis by DAERA in Northern Ireland and DECC in Ireland.

Our Headquarters are based in Derry~Londonderry, with a Regional Office in Carlingford, Co Louth and an operational depot in Omagh.

The Agency’s Vision is:

“Through partnership and science, protecting and developing our fisheries and natural resources”.

Our Mission is to:

“Sustainably manage, promote and develop the fisheries and resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas”.

The Agency has responsibility for 4,070km² of catchment in the Foyle area and 480km² in Carlingford, with responsibility for the 2 sea loughs and an area extending 12 miles out to sea from Lough Foyle, which stretches to Downhill in Northern Ireland, and Malin Head in Donegal. Loughs Agency has been delivering transboundary fisheries management in these waters since the establishment of its predecessor in 1952, the Foyle Fisheries Commission, with the remit of overseeing the management and protection of Atlantic salmon and the inland fisheries of the Foyle catchment.

Loughs Agency aims to provide sustainable social, economic and environmental benefits through the effective conservation, management, promotion and development of the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

The Agency’s statutory functions are:

• Promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery and aquaculture matters.

• Management, conservation, protection, improvement and development of the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

• Development and licensing of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries.

• Development of Marine Tourism.

The high level Strategic Priorities identified in our Strategic Direction for a New Decade 2020-30, enabling Loughs Agency to fulfil its statutory remit are:

• Raising the Standards;

• Making Connections;

• Just Transition; and

• Organisational Excellence.

Our Goals are:

• Sustainably deliver our conservation and protection statutory remit;

• Making connections through effective engagement and communication;

• Understanding and strategically promoting Just Transition; and

• Valuing all staff, inspire our workforce and improve performance through innovation.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, GENDER

Equality, Diversity, Gender

Loughs Agency is committed to creating and sustaining a positive and inclusive working environment for our employees. Our aim is to ensure that employees are equally valued and respected and that our organisation is representative of all members of society. We define diversity as valuing everyone as an individual – we value our employees, job applicants, students, associates and visitors as people. This is reflected within our values and behaviours and our leadership habits that:

• We treat everyone well and with empathy; and

• We lead with integrity and authenticity.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that everyone stands to benefit when we embrace and value the diversity of thoughts, ideas and ways of working that people from different backgrounds, experiences and identities bring. It helps our employees to grow and learn, enables them to realise their potential, improves decisionmaking, boosts engagement and innovation and enables us to better meet the needs of our diverse customer base.

To this end, we have made the following commitments:

• To create an environment in which individual differences and the contribution of all team members are recognised and valued;

• To not tolerate any form of unacceptable behaviour, harassment, discrimination, bullying (including cyber bullying) or victimisation in any area of employment or in the provision of our services to our customers;

• To provide guidance and training to the Board, employees and contractors on diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity;

• To encourage anyone who feels they have been subject to or witnessed discrimination to raise their concerns with their Line Manager or Trade Union representative;

• To make every person aware of their personal responsibility for implementing and promoting equal opportunities in their day-to-day dealings with people and encourage employees to treat everyone with dignity and respect;

• To regularly review all our employment practices, policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements of this statement; and

• To monitor the effectiveness of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and the supporting policies and procedures and share with the consultative bodies at least annually.

We require all members of staff to recognise these commitments and act in accordance with them. In addition, we will comply with all relevant legislation and good practice.

No individual will be unjustly discriminated against. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Dealing with Discrimination

Unacceptable behaviour, harassment, discrimination, bullying (including cyber bullying) or victimisation of any individual is perceived as contradictory to our aspirations for a supportive working environment and will not be tolerated. Any allegations of such behaviour will be investigated, and ultimately disciplined, in accordance with the Dignity at Work Policy and Procedure.

Responsibility

• The Board has overall responsibility for ensuring that we operate within a framework of equality of opportunity;

• The Senior Management Team has overall management responsibility, delegated to all managers throughout the organisation;

• All employees have a duty to support and uphold the principles of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and its supporting policies and procedures; and

• Responsibility for the review of this statement lies with the Director of Corporate Services.

This statement is reviewed regularly and if necessary, revised in the light of legislative or organisational changes. It is made available to the public through our website and other means.

BOARD MEMBERS

Board Members

The FCILC Board comprises of 12 Members appointed by the NSMC. The Board exercises the functions of the Body in relation to the Foyle and Carlingford Areas through Loughs Agency. Throughout the majority of 2024 the Board was made up of three female and seven male Board Members. From 1st April 2022 one of these Board Members was inactive due to the ongoing political situation in Northern Ireland. The term of two Board Members ended on 12th December 2024.

There are currently four vacancies on the Board, a Vice Chair and three Board Members.

Governance

The roles and responsibilities of Loughs Agency’s Board are set out in the Financial Memorandum for the Agency, matters specifically considered by the Board include:

• Declaration of Interests;

• Setting Board Strategy, in agreement with the NSMC;

• Reports from Committees;

• Financial Reports / Management Accounts;

• Performance Reports, and

• Reserved Matters.

Under the obligations set out in its Code of Conduct, the Board has corporate responsibility for ensuring that the Agency fulfils the aims and objectives set by its Sponsor Departments; DAERA and DECC, which are approved by the NSMC, and for promoting the efficient, economic and effective use of staff and other resources by the Agency.

The Board

The Board of Loughs Agency:

• Establishes the overall strategic direction of the Agency within the policy and resources framework determined by the NSMC, relevant Ministers and Sponsor Departments;

• Constructively challenges the Agency’s Senior Management Team in their planning, target-setting and delivery of performance;

• Ensures that Sponsor Departments are kept informed of any changes which are likely to impact on the strategic direction of the Agency, or on the attainability of its targets, and determine the steps needed to deal with such changes;

• Ensures that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds are complied with; that the Agency operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with Sponsor Departments, and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds; and that, in reaching decisions, the Board takes into account all relevant guidance issued by the NSMC, the Finance Departments and Sponsor Departments;

• Ensures that it receives and reviews regular financial information concerning the management of the Agency; is informed in a timely manner of any concerns regarding the activities of the Agency; and provides positive assurance to Sponsor Departments that appropriate action has been taken on such concerns; and

• Demonstrates high standards of corporate governance at all times, including using the independent Audit and Risk Committee to assist the Board in addressing key financial and other risks facing the Agency.

There were 6 Board Meetings held in 2024. The Board consider the Financial Statements to be a true and fair view of the Agency’s financial performance and its financial position at the end of the year. Details of Board membership and attendance at meetings held during 2024 are as follows:

of the above meetings are available on the Agency’s website:

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

Audit and Risk Committee

The FCILC Board established an Audit and Risk Committee to support them in their responsibilities for issues of risk, control and governance and associated assurance.

The Audit and Risk Committee advises the Accounting Officer and the Board on:

• The strategic processes for risk, control and governance and the Statement on the System of Internal Control / Governance Statement;

• The accounting policies and the Annual Report and Accounts of the Agency;

• The planned activity and results of both Internal and External Audit;

• Adequacy of management response to issues identified by Internal and External audit reports;

• Assurances relating to the management of risk and corporate governance requirements for the Agency;

• Consider anti-fraud policies, whistleblowing processes and arrangement for special investigations;

• Receive any relevant reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General’s and other organisations; and

• Consider the findings of any relevant internal and external reviews which have significant implications for the Agency.

The Audit and Risk Committee on behalf of the Board, has carried out an assessment of the Agency’s principal risks, including a description of these risks, and associated mitigation measures or strategies.

There were 4 Audit and Risk Committee Meetings held in 2024. Details of Audit and Risk Committee membership and attendance at meetings held during 2024 are as follows:

and Risk Committee Meetings

NORTH/ SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL

North/South Ministerial Council

During 2024, the Agency attended one NSMC Aquaculture and Marine Sectoral Meeting held on 10th June 2024.

Details of the meeting are available from the NSMC website.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance

The Corporate Services Directorate is a key enabler for the delivery of the Agency’s strategic goals. The Agency continued to meet its Corporate Governance responsibilities throughout 2024. This was evidenced through regular updates provided to the Board and Audit and Risk Committee, complying with risk management processes and ensuring an effective system of internal control.

Internal Audit

Internal Audit is an important part of the overall Corporate Governance of the Agency. Internal Audit tests systems, associated procedures and controls and reports upon their effectiveness. In 2024 the Agency received a satisfactory rating.

STAFFING

Staffing

The Agency operates within a 4 Directorate structure (Aquaculture & Shellfisheries, Conservation & Protection, Corporate Services and Development) and a Science section, with a current approved permanent core staffing complement of 53.

Senior Management Organisational Chart as at 31st December 2024

Chief Executive

Director of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

Director of Conservation and Protection

Director of Corporate Services

Director of Development Head of Science

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

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 achievements of the Agency’s objectives and individuals’ needs.

COMPLAINTS HANDLING

Complaints Handling

The Agency has a complaints handling procedure. The procedure can be found here. There were no complaints received in 2024.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2024

Key Achievements for 2024

Fisheries Protection

Throughout 2024 protection crews continued to carry out shore and boat patrols across the Foyle and Carlingford Areas and continued to pursue offenders in both jurisdictions in both civil and criminal courts. These actions were part of the maintenance of a robust programme of activities to detect and deter non-compliance with fishery legislation. Illegal fishing activity continued throughout the reporting period, with both illegal salmon netting and a variety of angling offences.

The Agency is grateful for the continued support from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána.

Pollution Incidents

Throughout 2024 Loughs Agency dealt with water pollution-related issues. Most of these incidents were from an agricultural source. The majority of these were low to medium severity. Those which were deemed to be of high severity or caused noticeable environmental damage resulted in statutory samples being collected and files being prepared for prosecution cases. There were 5 reported fish kills during 2024 in the Foyle and Carlingford catchments which were investigated by Fishery Protection crews and resulted in enforcement actions, including court proceedings and fines being administered. In addition, Agency staff responded to oil spills, sewage discharges, unauthorised landfill sites and issues arising from the management of green energy projects.

Throughout the year the Agency investigated 276 incidents.

jurisdictions in implementing key decisions with regard to national and international agreements, EU Directives and regulations.

The overarching purpose of scientific delivery at Loughs Agency is to provide robust scientific advice to inform and support the environmental management and policy development decisions made by the Agency. Scientific evidence gathered is required to support all environmental management decisions in order to ensure the conservation and sustainable exploitation of the fisheries and natural resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Loughs Agency uses scientific research to provide advice to inform management decisions in three main research areas. Highlights from 2024 are listed below under each research area.

Sustainable Management and Conservation of Salmonid (and other fish) Stocks in the Foyle And Carlingford Catchments

• A Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliant Stillwater Fish Stock Assessments Still Lake survey was undertaken in summer 2024 on Loughmacrory.

• The Agency’s Science Team continued to work in collaboration with externally funded projects partners in STRAITS, DTOTrack and NorTrack, deploying the acoustic telemetry arrays in 2024.

• In total 200 tags (a mixture of ID tags, mortality tags and programme tags) were inserted into salmon and sea trout smolt in the River Roe, River Faughan and the Whitewater River. The Agency also tagged European eel for the first time in the Carlingford catchment in October 2024.

• Loughs Agency now holds Establishment and Project Licences to tag fish in both Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Sustainable Management and Conservation of the Lough Foyle Native Oyster Stocks

• Throughout 2024 the Agency undertook multifaceted native oyster surveys which provided the necessary evidence-bases to allow for management decisions to be made on the sustainable operation of the Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery.

• The Agency has also commenced the latest survey of unregulated Pacific oyster, aquaculture activity on Lough Foyle.

Development / Preservation / Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems in the Foyle and Carlingford Catchments

• The 2024 summer season was the 18th consecutive year of water quality monitoring at 107 sites across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments.

• Continuation of real-time water quality telemetry equipment and fixed weather stations.

• In 2024 consolidated datasets were used at the river scale to provide evidence-bases for almost 50 habitat improvement works.

Fish Counters

With the support of its Sponsor Departments, the Agency has undertaken a significant investment in fish counter operations including artificial intelligence applications to enhance counter validation. The programme has also installed telemetry river gauges to monitor and respond to extremes of climate change. There are currently six fish counters operating in the Foyle and Carlingford system, four of which are statutory counters. Loughs Agency uses fish counter output data from the River Finn, River Mourne, River Roe and River Faughan to inform management decisions on commercial and recreational fisheries. Data is also used by DAERA and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and reported to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) and the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES).

Commercial fisheries and catch and release restrictions are set in line with Management Targets (MTs) in accordance with The Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) Regulations 2010. MTs based on Conservation Limits (CLs) are used to manage salmon in real-time within the Foyle area.

• CLs define the minimum number of salmon required to spawn in the river, i.e. the spawning stock level that produces the maximum sustainable yield.

• MTs are derived from CLs. Loughs Agency MTs are 25% higher than its CLs.

Advice on tag allocations for 2024 was provided based on 2023 fish counter data. In 2023 the following data was derived from the legislative cited fish counters which formed the basis for the following management decision in 2024:

• The River Finn failed to meet its Management Target;

• Using the data from the University of Glasgow’s work on the weir at Sion Mills the River Mourne met its Management Target;

• The River Faughan met its Management Target; and

• The River Roe met its Management target.

The 2024 fish counter figures from the four statutory counters were used to provide advice for the 2025 Atlantic salmon fisheries.

Water Framework Directive

The WFD sampling programme is the priority delivery in every field season. This survey takes the form of a fully quantitative electrofishing survey and is a statutory requirement under the WFD 2000/60/ EC. Annex V of the WFD outlines that rivers are included within monitoring programmes and that the composition abundance and age structure of fish fauna are examined. Data collected during this survey is reported to the relevant jurisdictional bodies for inclusion in overall jurisdictional reports. The WFD sampling programme is delivered at 26 sites across Loughs Agency’s remit area (23 sites in Northern Ireland and 3 sites in Ireland). These sites are run on a three-year rotation as it is not possible to complete all 26 sites in a single year. A generic rotation follows the pattern:

• Year 1 = 9 sites

• Year 2 = 9 sites

• Year 3 = 8 sites

The data from the Northern Ireland sites is reported to DAERA annually. The rotation of sites means that all 3 of the sites in Ireland are continually surveyed in the same year therefore that data is only reported to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) every 3 years.

2024 was a 9-site survey year:

Site

Code

River (F10014) Glenmornan River (F10020) Dunnyboe Burn (F10022) Burndennett (F10025) Finn (F10076) Coneyglen Burn (F10077) Owenkillew (F10079) Glenelly (F10086) Strule (F10763) Skeoge

Invasive Species

Loughs Agency undertook a number of targeted invasive species surveys in 2024. The focus of invasive species surveys in 2024 was primarily Asian clam in the Foyle system and zebra mussels in isolated lakes. The Asian clam survey consisted of physical surveys of the River Foyle, River Mourne, Swilly Burn, St Johnston Burn, Glenmornan River, River Finn, Burndennett, River Deele, Carrigans Burn and Strabane Canal to document the spread of the population.

The zebra mussel survey was designed to identify the presence of zebra mussels in previously unrecorded angling lakes. The study used novel eDNA techniques to identify the presence of zebra mussels. None of the lakes sampled tested positive for the presence of zebra mussels – although the control site in the Newry Canal, where zebra mussel is confirmed, did test positive proving the validity of the novel technique.

Mourne Beg Restoration

On 13th November 2020 a section of approximately 4.5 hectares of peat bog adjacent to a wind farm development site slipped into a feeder stream and subsequently into the Mourne Beg River.

During 2024 Loughs Agency continued to monitor the health of the Mourne Beg River using electrofishing and macroinvertebrate surveys, with further surveys scheduled to take place in 2025. These additional surveys will provide evidence-bases, to assess the long-term impact of the landslide on the Mourne Beg as well as the efficacy of the habitat restoration methodologies applied by Loughs Agency in 2022. A proposal was also drafted for additional, focused river restoration works which will encourage salmonid re-population of the upper reaches of the Mourne Beg which have shown a lower-than-expected number of salmonids given the quality of the habitat.

Loughs Agency has begun assessing the data collected with the aim of producing a report outlining the impacts of the landslide on a local, national and international level on the site selection feature Atlantic salmon, in according with the Environmental Liabilities Directive (2004/35/EC).

Native Oyster Spawning Assessment

The native oyster spawning assessment was conducted between May and late September 2024. Weekly samples were collected from 5 locations to monitor gonad maturation within the oyster stock, variations in bivalve larval abundance and the prevailing environmental conditions.

Water temperature trends remain a key driver of spawning success, and the 2024 trends indicated an optimal summer spawning season, particularly during the mid-season period. Larval quantities followed more traditional patterns this year, with peak abundance observed during late July into midAugust 2024, aligning with historical trends from the previous surveys. Water temperatures during this period were within expected ranges for successful spawning. A secondary lessor spawning event was documented in early September, following typical seasonal patterns.

Peak Larval Counts During July-August 2024:

• Quigley’s Point recorded the highest peak larval count at 21 larvae.

• Perch also had a high peak at 17.67 larvae, followed by Flat Ground at 14.67 larvae.

• South Side and Middle Bed had the lowest peak counts at 9.67 and 10 larvae, respectively.

Overall Peak Larval Counts:

• The peak larval counts for each site are the same as the July-August peaks, indicating that the highest counts occurred during the warmest months.

• Middle Bed (2.09 larvae) and Perch (1.97 larvae) were slightly above the general average.

• South Side had the lowest average (1.62 larvae), indicating consistently lower recruitment.

Native Oyster Stock Assessment

Stock analysis was undertaken at two points in the year. The spring survey allowed an analysis of the stock after the previous season’s fishery and the autumn survey provided an update on how the population had behaved over the summer months, in advance of the upcoming season. During both surveys, approximations of the biomass of the total population and the fishable stock were calculated using an interpolation. Examinations of stock densities on individual beds, population demographics and mortality were also undertaken. A specific spawning survey was completed during the relevant months, to document the spawning success of the population in 2024. Ancillary data were also collected on water quality parameters on a monthly basis to aid in the interpretation of the population productivity. All of the data collected forms part of long-term datasets which allow the Agency to monitor trends.

The results from the stock assessments show that the native oyster population in Lough Foyle is improving from a biological perspective, displaying a more normal distribution and representative of multiple age classes. Growth rates in the Lough in 2024 appear to have improved in comparison to 2023. The biomass estimates at 25% dredge efficiency were used to inform management decisions for the 2024/25 Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery. The autumn survey showed an adult biomass over 70mm of 124.97 tonnes and a fishable biomass over 80mm at 78.27 tonnes.

Managing the Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery

The Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery commenced on 8th October 2024. Fishing times were 8am4pm daily on a 3 days per week basis. 38 licence applications were submitted for the fishery. Fishing activity was suspended for a 3-week period from 25th October to 19th November 2024 to conserve stock and limit stock piling of oysters. The fishery was suspended for the remainder of 2024 on Thursday 12th December 2024 subject to review of the stock available for the fishery.

In total 21 fishing days were permitted in the period up to the end of December 2024. Landings during this time were estimated at approximately 62 tonnes.

A fishable biomass of 78 tonnes was estimated to be available. The fishery was assessed in January and February 2025 and a decision on re-opening was taken at that stage for the remainder of the season up to 31st March 2025.

at 31st December 2024

estimated landings up to 31st December 2024

Fisheries and Angling Improvement Projects 2024

Fisheries Improvement

The Agency’s Fisheries Improvement Unit (FIU) continued to deliver nature-based solutions for restoration of fish habitat and natural river processes in Foyle and Carlingford during 2024 with 55 projects being completed in 16 sub-catchments. The FIU apply a robust process of preassessment and prioritisation for each of these projects and an evidence-base, rationale and any consents required are provided by the Science Team for each site. Projects are planned in alignment with best practice approaches adopted elsewhere in the UK and Ireland and external expert advice is taken on complex sites. Stringent project management has been utilised to effectively deliver these projects on a cross- Directorate basis with an internal working group meeting on a monthly basis during 2024 to ensure successful delivery.

These projects will help to address the dual challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss and their impacts on fisheries such as reduced fish populations and poor water quality. The table below sets out the outputs from these projects which will help to maximise fisheries productivity. These projects have been developed by Loughs Agency in partnership with landowners and local angling clubs and community groups. Interventions such as riparian fencing and riparian planting were implemented to help address biodiversity loss and the impact of climate change and increase the value of the natural capital of our catchments. This work helps to increase the integrity and diversity of riparian and instream habitats making them more resilient to the symptoms of climate change and the pressures from agricultural pollution.

Season Number of

In some instances, it was determined that instream works were required to maximise productivity and restore ecological functions within the projects delivered in 2024. Spawning gravel was added in some areas and in others existing gravel deposits were regraded into the river channel and/or cleaned to promote increased salmonid spawning success. Rubble mats were installed, and vortex weirs were used to improve sediment transport and increase the diversity of flow and habitats. New pools were created in some rivers and boulders and large woody debris was used to improve refuge areas for juvenile fish to limit predation loss.

Angling Improvement

Angling Improvement fund delivered 11 initiatives and supported 1 initiative through crosscollaborative working throughout the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. These projects were conducted collaboratively with angling clubs and national governing bodies who were closely involved in the planning and delivery phases. Expressions of interest were sought from all angling groups in Foyle and Carlingford in March 2024 and these project proposals were developed into deliverable projects that met the objectives of the Agency’s new Angling Action Plan. Several project proposals were not completed in 2024 due to insufficient information being available from partners to deliver the project successfully. These projects have helped to increase the value of angling to the social capital within the areas where these projects took place and has raised awareness of the opportunities for new and experienced anglers within each area.

Area Intervention Partners

Foyle Catchment Coaching Workshop

River Derg Access Infrastructure

River Dennett Disabled Angling Shelter

River Finn Access Infrastructure

Longfield Bank Local Competition Sponsorship

Foyle Catchment Angling for All

Foyle Catchment Angling for Wellbeing

River Roe Access Infrastructure

River Whitewater Access Infrastructure

River Drumragh Access Infrastructure

Ulster Angling Federation

Ardstraw Community Angling Club

Dennett Anglers Association

Finn Angling Club

Ballybofey and Stranorlar Angling Club

Lough Foyle Sea Angling Club

Foyle River Catchment Outdoor Group

Roe Angling Ltd

Carrickmore Angling Club

Kilkeel Angling Club

Omagh Anglers

Implementation of Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy

The new Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy was publicly launched in April 2024 with a full launch of the Angling Action Plan for Foyle and Carlingford, Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy and Fisheries Improvement Action Plan for Foyle and Carlingford documents. These action plans have formed the basis for the annual implementation plan for fisheries and angling improvement during 2024.

55 Fishery Improvement Projects

2024 IN REVIEW

11 Angling Improvement Projects

160+ Access points

3 Angling Events engaging over 6,000 stakeholders

150

Tonnes of rubble mats

540

Tonnes of spawning gravel added to riverbeds

1.8km Soft Engineering measures 450m2 of high and dry gravel regraded back into our rivers

23.8km

Riparian zones created 173 Offline drinking solutions installed

TREES – Tree planting for River Enhancement through Environmental Solutions

The Agency carried out an evaluation of the TREES Project during 2024. Modifications and improvements to the project sites have been recommended and will be completed in 2025.

Loughs Agency Project Management Unit

During 2024, Loughs Agency established a new Project Management Unit (PMU) to improve organisational effectiveness by ensuring consistent project delivery, enhanced efficiency and improved strategic alignment. The PMU has centralised project management practices, creating a standardised approach to project planning, execution and monitoring resulting in better resource utilisation, risk management and quality control. The PMU facilitates clear communication and coordination across all Directorates, ensuring that projects align with the Agency’s goals and are completed on time and within budget. By fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, the PMU has enhanced staff confidence and supports organisational agility in responding to Business Plan changes and emerging opportunities. Overall, the PMU has strengthened the Agency’s capacity to manage complex projects, driving sustained success, innovation and efficiency.

Loughs Agency Accommodation

In 2024, Loughs Agency successfully enhanced its office facilities to align with its values of environmental responsibility and operational effectiveness. The extensive refurbishment of our Carlingford office has been completed and is now fully operational. Ongoing maintenance efforts are being implemented to ensure that all buildings remain efficient and energy compliant. Additionally, the Omagh office saw the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof, further enhancing our energy efficiency in line with our Climate Action Plan to reduce our carbon footprint.

Governance and Accountability

Financial Management and Governance

The Agency actively monitored its expenditures in relation to approved budgets and provided regular updates to its Sponsor Departments. Governance and Accountability meetings with Sponsor Departments were held consistently, alongside daily engagements, to ensure continuous compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the Oversight Agreement (DECC), and the Sponsorship Manual (DAERA). This structured approach facilitated transparent communication and effective oversight of financial and operational practices.

Internal Audit

The internal audit function is vital to Loughs Agency, reinforcing accountability, transparency and effective resource management. It serves as a cornerstone of the Agency’s governance and risk management framework, contributing to operational efficiency, financial integrity and ongoing improvement initiatives. By offering independent and objective assurance, internal audit supports the Agency in fulfilling its mission of conserving and managing aquatic ecosystems while adhering to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. In 2024, the Agency achieved a satisfactory rating, reflecting the effectiveness of its internal audit processes.

Environmental Education and Outreach

In 2024, Loughs Agency continued to deliver a suite of education and outreach programmes. These initiatives aimed to contribute towards a more sustainable future for the Foyle and Carlingford cross-border catchments by instilling a sense of responsibility and understanding among diverse audiences.

Foyle and Carlingford Ambassadors Programme

During 2024 the Foyle and Carlingford Ambassadors Programme delivered immersive, week-long environmental education experiences for over 50 secondary school students, covering river and coastal ecology, angling and outdoor activities. The programme fostered environmental awareness, citizenship and leadership skills, strengthening participants’ understanding of local ecological challenges, including climate change, across the cross-border catchments.

A key innovation in 2024 was the introduction of the ‘Bitesize Ambassadors’ initiative, which expanded engagement beyond schools through half-day thematic walks. These sessions integrated history, ecology and conservation, fostering a stronger connection between people, place and environmental stewardship. This approach successfully engaged multi-generational audiences and provided valuable insights into local landscapes and cultural heritage.

Salmon Ambassadors

The Salmon Ambassadors Programme remained a cornerstone of the Agency’s environmental education efforts in 2024, successfully engaging 325 pupils across eight primary schools in Northern Ireland and Ireland. This interactive initiative provided hands-on learning about local river ecosystems, focusing on salmon life cycles, conservation and restoration. Through classroom activities, hatchery projects and field trips to local rivers, pupils developed a deeper appreciation for their natural environment.

Outreach Workshops and Events

Beyond our structured flagship programmes, the Agency delivered over 30 outreach workshops to schools and community groups, reaching 1,100 participants. These tailored sessions covered topics such as marine and freshwater ecosystems, conservation and sustainable fisheries. Additionally, through engagement throughout the Foyle and Carlingford catchments at school visits, riverbank sessions and public events, the Agency strengthened its outreach impact.

Water Participation Programme

The 2024 Water Participation Programme successfully engaged over 400 participants in waterbased activities across the Foyle and Carlingford regions. Through strategic partnerships with local clubs and private providers, the programme delivered inclusive, accessible and environmentally responsible experiences that encouraged community engagement.

Notable highlights included adaptive surfing events at Benone Beach for individuals with disabilities, introductory paddleboarding and surfing sessions at Culdaff and Cranfield and inclusive sailing events on the River Foyle. These initiatives fostered social inclusion, improved water safety awareness and contributed to local economic activity, demonstrating the value of collaborative tourism and recreation efforts.

Water Warriors

The 2024 Water Warriors programme was successfully delivered, marking another year of meaningful engagement with schools across the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas. Building on the successes and insights gained from previous years, the programme continued to evolve, ensuring a rich and effective experience for all participants. Over the past three years, it has fostered trust and loyalty among schools, laying a solid foundation for ongoing engagement.

The programme’s enduring popularity has established it as a key event in the school calendar, maintaining consistent levels of engagement over the past three years. Water Warriors remains an integral part of Loughs Agency’s broader engagement strategy, with a primary aim of educating and raising awareness among late Gen Z and early Gen Alpha audiences. It instils a sense of responsibility

for their local environment while promoting global conservation efforts. Designed to address critical issues such as climate change, invasive species, pollution and biodiversity, the programme offers hands-on learning experiences through water-based activities, field trips, educational games and more. This interactive approach effectively connects young participants with their local surroundings, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship.

Marine Tourism Development

In 2024, Loughs Agency advanced its draft Marine Tourism Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, high-quality marine tourism experiences. Throughout the year extensive stakeholder engagement took place, including consultations with local authorities and tourism bodies. The draft strategy focuses on enhancing visitor engagement while safeguarding marine biodiversity, ensuring a balanced approach between conservation and recreation.

Heritage Framework

Recognising the significance of cultural and natural heritage, Loughs Agency progressed the development of a draft Heritage Framework in 2024. This initiative seeks to integrate historical narratives, environmental conservation and tourism development, fostering a deeper connection between communities and the region’s rich marine heritage.

Viability of Water-Based Recreation on the Foyle

A comprehensive assessment was conducted in 2024 to evaluate the feasibility of water-based recreation along the River Foyle and surrounding coastal areas. This research identified key risks, including site evaluation, environmental concerns and safety considerations, to inform future sustainable development.

The study reviewed existing reports, engaged stakeholders and conducted field assessments to develop a risk-benefit analysis. Findings will be finalised in 2025 and incorporated into future marine tourism initiatives, ensuring safe and sustainable recreational growth.

External Partnership Projects

Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership Programme (Year 4)

The Agency has continued to work collaboratively with regional and cross-border partners to enhance marine tourism development. Engagement with the Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership has focused on environmental protection and enhancement, as well as sustainable tourism initiatives, supporting environmental conservation alongside visitor experiences.

Stakeholder Engagements

International Symposium on Transboundary and Collaborative Water Governance

In September 2024, Loughs Agency hosted a two-day international symposium focusing on transboundary and cross-border cooperation and governance for protection of water, aquatic and marine systems. Delegates from Northern Ireland, Ireland, United Kingdom, North America and Europe provided presentations and engaged in discussion on the need to increase awareness of the importance of transboundary water management among policymakers and stakeholders, highlighting the interdependence of countries and regions and the need for collaborative solutions that would contribute to addressing emerging issues such as climate change impacts, pollution and biodiversity loss. In doing so, the event provided a platform for sharing successful case studies, innovative practices and technological advancements that have been effective in environmental transboundary water management across different international regions.

The Symposium resulted in a number of positive outcomes including an agreement to progress the

development of a collaborative, knowledge sharing network that will promote the broader goals of sustainable development, environmental protection and scientific data driven decision-making. It also provided an opportunity to raise the profile and actions of Loughs Agency in promoting environmental cross-border collaboration and institutional cooperation. A second Symposium event has been scheduled for delivery in 2026.

North West Angling Fair

The Agency collaborated closely with Derry City and Strabane District Council to successfully deliver the North West Angling Fair in April 2024. The event was held at Melvin Sports Complex in Strabane. Attendance was estimated at 3,000. The event helped the Agency to deliver on its responsibility for promotion of the Foyle and Carlingford areas for recreational purposes.

Angling Events

The Agency supported one sea angling event in the Foyle Area during 2024. The Lough Foyle Sea Angling Club held its annual open shore competition at Longfield Bank on the eastern shoreline of Lough Foyle in September 2024. The Agency also attended the Irish Fly fair in November 2024 which seen an estimate of over 6,000 attendees over the two days. This event helped the agency on its responsibility for promotion of the Foyle and Carlingford areas for recreational purposes.

A Vision for Carlingford Lough

Throughout 2024, Loughs Agency made significant strides in deepening our engagement with community representatives and local authorities across the Carlingford region. Our goal was to develop a shared vision and a suite of co-designed proposals that align with stakeholder aspirations while reinforcing our commitment to enhancing our presence within the catchment. This collaborative effort has culminated in the Agency’s Integrated Vision for Regional Development for Carlingford Lough, a roadmap built upon strategic frameworks including the Carlingford Vision ‘31 Gateway to the Cooley Peninsula 2020-2030.

A key achievement of this initiative was the translation of the integrated vision into a series of tangible project components designed to complement and enhance the Agency’s ongoing work. The framework we have developed not only supports our legislative and operational objectives but also provides a clear and actionable roadmap for future initiatives.

EXTERNALLY FUNDED PROGRAMMES

Externally Funded Programmes

2024 was the second year of our EU-funded STRAITS Project and the official commencement of two new EU-funded projects: NorTrack and DTOTrack. The Agency is pleased to be the Lead Partner for all three projects.

These three projects place the Agency in a unique position as a body not only involved in, but also leading large consortiums of researchers across multiple European funding programmes. In 2024, Agency staff represented the organisation in Estonia, Spain and the Netherlands at conferences and workshops. The Agency is applying the knowledge and experience gained from these projects to innovate and improve work areas in our catchments.

Strategic Infrastructure for Improved Animal Tracking in European Seas (STRAITS) Project – €3.3m EU-funded under the Horizon Europe Programme (2023-2026).

The marine licence to deploy the array as part of STRAITS Project on the Irish side of the North Channel was granted in March 2024, allowing staff to deploy the full array in April 2024. For the first time, the Agency also successfully deployed an array in Carlingford Lough. This coincided with the Agency’s largest salmonid tagging season to date with 199 salmon and sea trout smolts successfully tagged and released in the River Roe, River Faughan and (for the first time) the Whitewater River. In the autumn, the Agency achieved another first with the successful tagging and release of 20 European eels in the Carlingford catchment.

The initial data harvest from the units to date has been encouraging and in line with results from previous iterations of the SeaMonitor array. A total of 4,869 detections were recorded from the array from not only the three species the Agency tagged (salmon, sea trout and eel) but also species tagged by other external researchers (e.g., tope, basking sharks and bluefin tuna from Denmark).

Northeast Atlantic Tracking Network (NorTrack) Project – €1.6m funded by Environmental Protection Agency Ireland as part of the Biodiversa Programme (2024-2026).

The NorTrack Project officially commenced on 1st January 2024 and will run until 31st December 2026. NorTrack aims to monitor the movements of aquatic species critical to the Northeast Atlantic (NEA) via cooperative infrastructure, in an effort to address questions related to major ecological challenges.

NorTrack is funded by Biodiversa+, the European Biodiversity Partnership under the 2022-2023 BiodivMon joint call for research proposals, co-funded by the European Commission and with the funding organisations Environmental Protection Agency Ireland, Innovation Fund Denmark, Research Council of Norway, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Office Français de la Biodiversité, Belgian Science Policy Office and Swedish National Space Agency.

Digital Twin of the Ocean: Animal Tracking (DTOTrack) Project – €2.1m funded by the Marine Institute Ireland as part of the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (2024-2027).

The DTOTrack Project officially commenced on 27th May 2024 and will run until 27th May 2027. DTOTrack aims to map the movements and distributions of marine life in the North Sea and use that data to create a Digital Twin (DT) of the area. The DT can then be used to make more ecologically informed decisions in the blue economy sector and marine spatial planning.

DTs offer great potential for ecology, particularly with the ongoing global digitalisation, including various ecological databases and the pressure for evidence-based decision-making in the conservation of biodiversity. One salient aspect missing from existing DTs, however, is the ‘animal movement’ component. DTOTrack aims to address this gap through a DT test case of the North Sea, using animal tracking data.

DTOTrack is funded by the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership’s first joint call for research proposals, co-funded by the European Commission and with the funding organisations Marine Institute Ireland, Innovation Fund Denmark, Research Council of Norway, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Belgian Science Policy Office, Swedish National Space Agency, Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) represented by Project Management Jülich, Forschungszentr um Jülich GmbH, Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Dutch Research Council.

REMUNERATION REPORT

Remuneration Report

Remuneration Policy

The Remuneration Policy addresses remuneration on an organisation-wide basis and is one of the key components of the HR Strategy, both of which fully support the overall business strategy. The main functions of the Remuneration Policy, are to:

• Support Loughs Agency’s strategy by helping to build a competitive and innovative business that attracts, retains and motivates employees;

• Promote the achievement of strategic objectives within the Agency’s risk appetite;

• Promote / support positive outcomes across the economic and social context in which the Agency operates; and

• Promote an ethical culture and responsible corporate citizenship.

Remuneration Philosophy and Key Principles

Remuneration Philosophy

The Agency’s remuneration philosophy is to recruit, motivate, reward and retain employees who believe in, and live by, our culture and values. We endeavour to encourage entrepreneurship by creating a working environment that motivates staff so that all employees can positively contribute to the strategy, vision, goals and values of the Agency. Our philosophy strives to set our employees’ total remuneration package at a competitive level. We believe the long-term success of the Agency is directly linked to the calibre of employees that we employ and the working environment that we create. It is, therefore, imperative that we make a concerted attempt to align the best interests of our employees with that of our other stakeholders.

Key Remuneration Principles

The Agency’s Remuneration Policy is based on the following principles:

• The Remuneration Policy is aligned to the overall business strategy, objectives and values of the Agency, without being detrimental to the interests of its stakeholders;

• The Remuneration Policy, procedures and practises are consistent with, and supportive of, effective risk management;

• Salaried employees are rewarded on a total rewards basis, which includes fixed, variable, short and long-term rewards applicable to the position;

• The fixed (guaranteed) component of the reward includes a base salary aligned with the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) rates; and

• Total remuneration may include other allowances applicable to the position.

Remuneration Policy Areas

Scope

The Remuneration Policy is applicable to all permanent employees of the Agency.

Remuneration Structure

The Agency’s remuneration structure relating to salaried employees (including Directors) comprises the following categories / elements:

• Guaranteed remuneration package (fixed and aligned to NICS pay grades and scales);

• Variable remuneration (applicable only to Inspectors and Fishery Officers and dependant on the number of unsocial hours worked); and

• On call allowance (applicable to those on call for incidents relating to environmental pollution and illegal fishing response, building security and IT infrastructure – fixed and aligned to NICS on call allowance).

The fixed remuneration is guaranteed and paid irrespective of the Agency’s performance, while the variable remuneration is not guaranteed, and directly linked to an individual recording a certain number of unsocial hours in a specified time period.

Remuneration of Staff

Permanent Staff

Staff appointments are made in accordance with the Agency’s Recruitment and Selection Policy. This Policy requires appointments to be made on merit based on fair and open competition. Staff may be able to retire before state pension age with no diminution of earlier pension benefits, depending on the terms of their pension. Information relating to notice periods is contained in an individual’s contract.

Minimum Pay Levels

Minimum pay levels are dependent on the grade at which an individual starts and are aligned to the NICS pay scales (Northern Ireland) and the Inland Fisheries Ireland pay scales (Ireland).

Progression

At initial appointment, staff are normally placed on the bottom point of the appropriate scale relevant to the position. Thereafter, there is annual incremental progression up the scale until the maximum of the scale is reached. This commonly happens in August of each year for staff in Northern Ireland, and on the anniversary of the employee’s appointment for staff in Ireland.

Performance Pay

There is no performance pay, related scheme or equivalent for staff.

Temporary Staff

The Agency can appoint temporary staff in one of two ways.

• By open recruitment, in which case the appointment is made in accordance with the Agency’s Recruitment and Selection Policy. In this case minimum pay levels are dependent on the grade at which an individual starts and are aligned to the NICS pay scales (Northern Ireland) and the Inland Fisheries Ireland pay scales (Ireland); and

• By use of a recruitment agency. As a public body the Agency is obliged to use an assigned recruitment agency from the Agency Worker User Protocol, depending on job role. The recruitment agency will be tasked with advertising the vacancy, sourcing suitable candidates, screening CVs, meeting candidates to determine suitability and for supplying the CVs of the most suitable candidates to Loughs Agency. Workers obtained using this method are employed by the recruitment agency, therefore the contract lies between them.

An open recruitment competition will be carried out as the preferred option, however a recruitment agency would be the chosen method in the event of an urgent requirement.

Total Reward Package

All staff have access to the North/South Pension Scheme (NSPS). CEO, Directors and permanent staff posts have contracts with varying hours. The hours contracted are dependent on the nature of the work that they do, and any special arrangements made for individuals to facilitate a good work life balance. All staff have access to Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave and Adoption Leave. Flexible working is available, however each case is assessed individually against the business needs and may be awarded at the discretion of the Agency.

All staff, upon appointment will be granted a 25 day leave entitlement, plus a further 12 statutory and public holidays as recognised by the sector. Temporary staff have their holiday allocation pro-rated for the year if applicable.

Service Contracts

Loughs Agency appointments are made on merit based on fair and open competition. Unless otherwise stated, the officials covered by this report hold appointments, which are open ended. Early termination, other than for misconduct, would result in the individual being entitled to receive compensation.

Salary and Pension Entitlements

The following sections provide details of the remuneration and pension interests of the most Senior Management of the Agency.

Remuneration including salary and pension entitlements of Senior Management Staff (Audited Information)

STERLING 2024 2023

Science

EURO 2024 2023

Senior Management / Directors

Development

Director of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

Director of Conservation and Protection

(31 December stg to euro rate 2024: 1.20601 / 2023: 1.15068, average rate 2024: 1.18117 / 2023: 1.14971).

*2024 gross above includes backpay which pushes the Directors and Head of science into a higher salary band disclosure in the above tables.

Benefit in kind relates to private use of an Agency vehicle.

STERLING 2024 2023

*% change due to 2023 pay award being implemented in 2024 where on average the majority of staff received a 5% consolidated increase. This % will also be reflective of changes in composition of grade of individuals employed, year on year.

**Highest paid Director’s salary in euro is the midpoint sterling salary converted at closing rate for the year, therefore percentage change in euro is distorted by prevailing exchange rate so sterling percentage change has been used in euro table.

***Median and average salary in euro is the sterling median and average salary converted at average rate for the year, therefore percentage change in euro is distorted by prevailing exchange rate so sterling percentage change has been used in euro table.

Salary

Salary includes gross salary and an ‘on call’ allowance for two of the Directors. No other ‘emoluments’ are payable to Directors.

Bonuses

The Agency does not pay bonuses to any members of Senior Management or any members of staff.

Benefits in Kind

The monetary value of benefits in kind covers any benefit provided by the employer and treated by HM Revenue and Customs as a taxable emolument. Interim Director of Conservation and Protection Benefit in Kind for 2024 was £4k / €5k (2023: £4k / €4k), relating to use of a company vehicle.

Fair Pay (Audited Information)

Reporting bodies are required to disclose the relationship between the remuneration of the highest paid Director in their organisation and the median remuneration of the organisation’s workforce.

The banded remuneration of the highest paid Director in the Agency in the financial year 2024 was £70,000 to £80,000 / €80,000 to €90,000 (2023 was £60,000 to £70,000 / €70,000 to €80,000). The ratio in 2024 was 2:2 times (2023 was 2:2 times). The median remuneration of the workforce in 2024 was £31,352 / €37,032 (2023 £29,859 / €34,329).

No employees received remuneration in excess of the highest paid Director in either year.

Remuneration ranged from: 2024 £24,225 to £71,353 / €29,216 to €86,052 (2023 £23,071 to £67,955 / €26,547 to €78,194).

Total remuneration includes gross salary. These calculations have been based on the North/South Implementation Bodies Guidance 2024 and are calculated based on annualised full-time equivalent remuneration of all staff as at the reporting date.

STERLING

The above table was provided by the NSPS independent actuary, XPS Pensions Consulting Limited.

*As of 31st of December 2023, some member benefits have been recalculated to reflect the changes mandated by the McCloud judgement. This means that for the Remedy Period, from 1st of April 2015 to 31st of March 2022, benefits for affected members within the Final Salary and Alpha schemes have been adjusted to be illustrated on a Final Salary basis. This is to ensure that the benefits are accurately represented and comply with the latest legal requirements.

The Cash Equivalent Transfer Values (“CETVs”) are not guaranteed and are for illustrative purposes only. CETVs have been calculated based on estimated projected pension benefits as at 31st December 2023 and 31st December 2024.

EURO

Senior Manager Chief Executive Officer Director of Development Interim Director of Corporate Services Head of Science

Director of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

Director of Conservation and Protection

Accrued pension at pension age as at 31/12/2023 and related lump sum €000 (restated*)

**Euro figures distorted by difference in exchange rate conversion of year end 31st December 2023 figures and exchange rate conversion of year end 31st December 2024 figures.

Accrued pension at pension age as at 31 December 2024 and related lump sum

The accrued pension at pension age as at 31 December 2024 and related lump sum is the value of the annual pension and lump sum the person is entitled to on retirement, based on service to that date.

Cash Equivalent Transfer Values (CETV)

A CETV is the actuarially assessed capitalised value of the pension scheme benefits accrued by a member at a particular point in time. The benefits valued are the members’ accrued benefits and any contingent spouse’s pension payable from the scheme. A CETV is a payment made by a pension scheme or arrangement to secure pension benefits in another pension scheme, or arrangement when the member leaves a scheme and chooses to transfer the benefits accrued in their former scheme. The pension figures shown relate to the benefits that the individual has accrued as a consequence of their total membership of the pension scheme, not just their service in a senior capacity to which disclosure applies. The CETV figures include the value of any pension benefit in another scheme or arrangement which the individual has transferred to the Agency’s pension arrangements. They also include any additional pension benefit accrued to the member as a result of their purchasing additional years of pension service in the scheme at their own cost. CETVs are calculated in accordance with The Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 and do not take account of any actual or potential benefits resulting from Lifetime Allowance Tax which may be due when pension benefits are taken.

Real Increase in CETV

This reflects the increase in CETV effectively funded by the employer. It does not include the increase in accrued pension due to inflation, contributions paid by the employee (including the value of any benefits transferred from another pension scheme or arrangement) and uses common market valuation factors for the start and end of the period.

Value of accrued pension benefits

The value of pension benefits accrued during the year is calculated as the real increase in pension multiplied by 20, plus the real increase in any lump sum, less contributions made by the individual. The real increases exclude increases due to inflation and any increase or decrease due to a transfer of pension rights.

Pension Arrangements

Loughs Agency employees are members of the NSPS. The NSPS was established by the North/South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland Limited with effect from 29 April 2005. It is a defined benefit pension scheme which is funded annually on a pay as you go basis from monies provided by the UK and Irish Exchequers. Funding is provided to the Agency by DAERA in the North and DECC in the South. The scheme is administered by an external administrator.

The NSPS consists of a number of sections with different benefit structures.

The Core Final Salary section is a final salary pension arrangement with benefits modelled on the Classic section of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme in Northern Ireland. The scheme provides a pension (eightieths per year of service), a gratuity or lump sum (three eightieths per year of service) and spouse’s and children’s pensions. Normal Retirement Age is a member’s 60th birthday. Pensions in payment (and deferment) increase in line with general price inflation.

pay for each year of active membership (the pension is increased at the start of each scheme year in line with general price inflation) and spouse’s and children’s pensions. Normal retirement age is a member’s State pension age in the relevant jurisdiction. In the UK the State pension age is currently 66. The UK Government is planning further increases, which will raise the State pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046.

In Ireland, the State pension age is currently 66. An increase to age 67 in 2021 and to 68 in 2028 was planned, however the legislative provision which provided for these increases was repealed. As normal pension age for Alpha (CARE) benefits is linked to the Southern State Pension Age, this change affects when Southern Alpha members are eligible to receive Scheme benefits.

Pensions in payment (and deferment) increase in line with general price inflation.

Most Core section members have benefits in both the Final Salary and Alpha Sections and new entrants who joined the Scheme after 1 April 2015 will, in most cases, become members of the Core Alpha section.

The valuation used for FRS 102 disclosures at 31 December 2024 has been carried out by a qualified independent actuary (XPS Pensions Consulting Ltd). The results this year have been prepared by carrying out a full valuation of the Scheme’s liabilities incorporating market conditions and scheme data at 31 December 2024.

Board Members’ remuneration including social security costs (Audited Information)

Board Members’ salaries are not pensionable.

Mr Jack Keyes

Mr Niall Greene

Professor Frances Lucy*

Dr Declan Little*

Mr Terry McWilliams**

*The “One Person One Salary Principle” applies to those public servants who fall within the terms of the Letter to Personnel E109/247/74 of 17th October 2011 issued by the Irish Government’s Department of Public Expenditure, National Delivery Plan and Reform. This means that such personnel do not receive fees for their membership on Boards.

**Inactive member.

Board Members expenses in 2024 were £3,287/€3,883 (2023: £4,093/€4,706).

Salary Bands for all Employees

Number of employees whose emoluments for the twelve months ending 31 December 2024 (2023) fell within the following bands:

ANNEX 1

OUTTURN AGAINST TARGETS

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FOR 2024

ANNEX 1 – OUTTURN AGAINST TARGETS – STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FOR 2024

2024 is the second year of the Corporate Plan 2023-25. Both the Corporate Plan and Business Plan were developed to enable outcomes as identified by Loughs Agency’s Strategic Direction for the 2020-2030 decade. The key priorities and objectives are detailed in the following tables. These priorities will continue to address the core requirements of the Agency’s statutory remit and the economic and social activities which it is tasked to support.

The Corporate Priority Outcomes (CPO) for the Business Plan 2024 are as follows:

CP01 Sustainability and Climate Change

Ensuring that we continue to develop innovative strategies that provide organisational agility and sustainable fisheries management solutions is paramount. This Plan will ensure sustainable development of recreational activities which are in keeping with the natural environment and fully

CP01 Sustainability and Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most critical global threats facing us as a society. Loughs Agency will continue to adopt a sustainable approach to tackling climate change as well as embracing a sustainability-led approach to all of our activities.

CP02 High Performance Culture

Instilling a high-performance culture amongst our workforce will allow us to effectively deliver upon the ambitious actions outlined within this Corporate Plan. Further developing our workforce and providing the support they need to deliver will be a key objective.

CP03 Informed by Science

All of our engagement with stakeholders and our day-to-day operations is informed by scientific data. The need to have a decision-making process underpinned with scientific data is critical to our operations as an organisation. Information provided by our Science Department allows us to gain a clear understanding of existing and emerging threats so that we can adapt and react to a rapidly changing environment and help ensure a sustainable fisheries management approach.

CP04 Embracing Innovation

Innovation will play a key role in driving efficiencies across Loughs Agency and ensure we establish our reputation as a fisheries management organisation that is invested in leading through innovation and excellence in scientific performance.

CP05 Enforcement and Education

Our enforcement activities will continue to be delivered in line with legislation. Loughs Agency believes that increased education initiatives with all stakeholders will lead to a reduction in necessary enforcement proceedings. It is an objective to reach out and further educate our audiences on the need to comply with regulations and to better understand why they’re in place.

CP06 Meaningful Engagement

Clear and concise engagement with all of our stakeholders is a priority for Loughs Agency. The need to have our role better understood will be fundamental to help ensure we continue to play a key role in addressing climate change while protecting and conserving our catchments effectively.

CP02 Developing organisational capacity and capability.

Review of organisational structures.

Implementation of Human Resource Management Strategy.

Progress a draft Terms of Reference for an organisational review Q4.

CP02 Improving project and programme management.

Establish a system of processes and principles for managing and delivering projects and programmes.

Develop delivery action plan Q4.

CP02 Improving built facilities and asset management.

CP02 Lead and drive digital transformation, enabling a culture of progressive change.

Provide fit for purpose accommodation and fleet.

Embed a fit for purpose project management system across all Directorates to ensure effective project collaboration, monitoring, and delivery Q1.

New strategic projects board established Q1.

Managed fleet.

Removal of temporary accommodation.

Continue to implement digital transformation to support the ambitions of Loughs Agency.

Establish data management system and roll out to all Agency data.

Implement process-driven management systems Q4.

Commence and complete design of system by Q2.

Data management processes and procedures reviewed and aligned to new system Q4.

Delivery Outcome Delivery Function Update

An efficiently structured organisation that is sufficiently resourced to effectively deliver its statutory remit.

A skilled workforce capable of delivering the goals of the Strategic Direction.

Chief Executive’s Office

An effective project management system that improves clarity, accountability, collaboration, and repeated success.

Corporate Services

Chief Executive’s Office

Partially completed. Draft Terms of Reference developed. Mechanism to progress to be discussed with Sponsor Departments and NSMC in 2025.

Delivery Action Plan complete.

Strategic Programmes Management and Monitoring Working Group established.

Project Management procedures developed and implemented.

Fit for purpose, environmentally sustainable assets.

Corporate Services

An efficient process-driven, public-facing organisation enabling effective and efficient management of resources.

Data management and data sharing system in place for Loughs Agency which holds Agency’s data in a transferable, transparent and useable format.

Corporate Services

Complete. In line with policy, 3 vehicles were purchased in 2024.

Temporary accommodation removed.

Complete. Continued to implement digital transformation throughout the year.

Science

Partially complete. Design of new system commenced. Data management processes and procedures reviewed for Science section.

CP02 Health, Safety and Wellbeing.

Continue to review and update system of Health, Safety and Wellbeing.

Revised and updated policies and training programme approved by Safety Management Group Q2.

CP05

CP04 Successful delivery of our enforcement and protection functions.

Implement Enforcement, Prevention and Protection Plan.

CP01

CP03

Sustainable management of the Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery.

Continue legal evaluation and assessment of Review of Legislation.

Progress review of Aquaculture Licensing readiness.

Annual evidence-based Protection Plan Q1.

Enforcement and protection results reported quarterly.

Establish Data Collection, Monitoring and Ecosystem Assessment Plan.

Legal Review Group update Q2 and Q4.

Collation of Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery landings data.

Development of an options paper for Aquaculture licensing with potential delivery paths mapped Q3.

Plan developed and initiated Q1.

Previous seasons landings data available for Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery by Q3.

Delivery Outcome Delivery Function Update

A robust system of Health, Safety and Wellbeing management and training programme embedded in the culture of the Agency.

The Agency has adopted a preventative approach to Health, Safety and Wellbeing.

Visible, public-facing approach to improved enforcement delivery.

Provision of high-quality, securely managed evidence to support statutory enforcement functions.

Appropriate legislation progressed to meet statutory, regulatory, reporting and enforcement functions.

Agency has fit for purpose system to implement Aquaculture licensing.

Quality scientific data assured through rigorous methodology used to inform sustainable management and conservation interventions for Lough Foyle native oyster stock.

Inter-annual comparison of the volume and value of oyster landings in Lough Foyle.

Corporate Services

Conservation and Protection

Complete. Polices and processes continued to be reviewed and updated throughout the year.

Corporate Services

Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

Complete. Crews successfully delivered annual protection and enforcement plan throughout the year.

Enforcement and protection results reported quarterly.

Complete. Updates provided throughout the year.

Science

Partially complete. Oyster Working Group continued to progress legislative requirements for Aquaculture and Shellfisheries throughout the year. This process will continue into 2025.

Complete. Survey plan developed and implemented throughout the year.

Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

2023/24 landings database complete.

CP01

CP03

CP06

CP01

Successful delivery of fishery improvement projects.

Delivery of naturebased conservation interventions that maximise fishery production.

Develop and implement a barrier removal programme.

Deliver large scale instream and riparian improvement projects.

CP03

CP04

Continue to develop sustainable recreational angling within Foyle and Carlingford catchments.

Delivery of acoustic telemetry programmes.

Project design and removal methodology completed Q2. Reinstatement works completed Q3/4.

Evaluate TREES Project. Independent evaluation to assess the impact of established TREES installations.

Delivery of Year 1 work plan actions of the Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy and Implementation Plan.

Delivery of Year 2 Horizon 2030 STRAITS Project.

Annual Implementation Plan drafted Q1.

Work plan actions completed by Q3.

Evaluation Report submitted by end of Q4.

Expansion of telemetry programme to include Carlingford Lough and tagging in Irish rivers.

Secure licences under Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

Progress the development of an ‘All Island Marine Tracking Programme’.

Establish multi-agency partnership team and draft programme delivery plan Q2.

Deliver 2024 NorTrack tagging programme. Salmonid and eel tagging completed Q3.

Delivery Outcome Delivery Function Update

Collaborative approach with stakeholders to protect rivers from potential pollution, improved water quality and habitats for target priority species.

Improved migratory corridors for target species informed by robust scientific and engineering data.

Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

Quantifiable data which will inform future project direction.

Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

Complete. Successfully delivered Fisheries Improvement projects throughout 2024.

Partially complete. Design and methodology for barrier removal programme complete. Discussion regarding implementation with relevant authorities progressed throughout the year. Programme of works to be implemented in 2025.

Science TREES Project evaluation complete.

A sustainable approach to Fisheries and Angling Improvement accomplished by maximising capacity, increasing capability and delivering quality outputs through positive communication and partnerships.

Multi-species monitoring system integrated with other marine networks supported by international collaboration.

Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

Chief Executive’s Office

Complete. Annual Implementation Plan agreed, Work Plan and Evaluation Report complete.

Fit for purpose species monitoring systems that provide quality assured scientific data which will inform best practice conservation management.

Priority species monitoring on a timescale that has biological and ecological relevance to the life histories of target species.

Chief Executive’s Office

Complete. Telemetry programme extended to include Carlingford Lough.

HPRA licence granted. Loughs Agency now licensed to tag in both jurisdictions.

Complete. Application developed and submitted to funder.

Expected award date due early 2025.

Science

Complete. All salmon and eel tagging complete for 2024.

CP01 Implement Climate Action Strategy.

Implementation of a 10 Year Climate Action Strategy.

CP05

CP06 Environmental education and outreach programmes.

Deliver a suite of environmental education programmes.

Implementation Plan and commence delivery Q2.

Annual Progress Report completed Q4.

Plan and schedule programmes Q1.

Delivery of education and engagement programmes throughout the year, Q1Q4.

CP01 Complete Marine Tourism Strategy and Action Plan.

Complete public consultation on Strategy Q2.

Seek potential funding opportunities to enable delivery of activities in line with Action Plan Q2/Q3.

Delivery Outcome Delivery Function Update

Fulfil our statutory duties North and South including reporting on progress made in meeting carbon reduction and climate change adaptation.

Throughout the Foyle and Carlingford areas, deliver:

• Annual Salmon Ambassadors programme targeted at 8 Junior / Primary Schools.

• Foyle and Carlingford Ambassadors Programme targeted at 8 groups of young people 14-16 years old.

Chief Executive’s Office

Programme of opportunities for increased participation in marine and outdoor nature-based leisure activities.

Development

Complete. Implementation of Climate Action Plan progressed throughout 2024.

Annual Progress report submitted to Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

Complete. Salmon Ambassadors and Foyle and Carlingford Ambassadors Programme completed in 2024.

Development

Complete. Potential sources of funding researched and summary complete.

GNÍOMHAIREACHT NA LOCHANNA TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

Maidir leis an Tréimhse 1 Eanáir 2024 go dtí an 31 Nollaig 2024

GNÍOMHAIREACHT NA LOCHANNA Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais don tréimhse dar chríoch an 31 Nollaig 2024

Arna leagan os comhair Thionól Thuaisceart Éireann agus dhá Theach an Oireachtais de réir Ordú Chomhoibriú Thuaidh/Theas (Comhlachtaí Feidhmithe) (Tuaisceart Éireann) 1999, Sceideal 1, Iarscríbhinn 2, Cuid 7, Míreanna 1.3 agus 2.6

CLÁR ÁBHAR

FORAMHARC AN PHRÍOMHFHEIDHMEANAIGH

FORLÉARGAS AN PHRÍOMHFHEIDHMEANNAIGH

Agus muid ag machnamh ar ghnóthachtálacha na bliana seo caite agus ag breathnú amach romhainn, tá áthas orm Tuarascáil agus Cuntais Bhliantúla 2024 Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna a chur i láthair. Rinneadh dul chun cinn suntasach sa bhliain seo lenár misean lárnach éiceachórais uisciúla dhobharcheantair an Fheabhail agus Cairlinn a chaomhnú agus a bhainistiú.

Sa bhliain 2024, bhí muid i gcónaí ag cur lenár n-éifeachtúlacht oibríochtúil trí uasghrádú a dhéanamh ar na háiseanna agus trí infheistíocht i gcleachtais inbhuanaithe. Léirítear leis an athchóiriú a cuireadh i gcrích go rathúil ar ár nOifig i gCairlinn agus na painéil fhótavoltacha a suiteáladh inár nOifig san Ómaigh an tiomantas atá againn don mhaoirseacht chomhshaoil agus don Straitéis Athraithe Aeráide

In 2024, cheiliúir Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna le bród an 25úcomóradh ar na Forais Cur Chun Feidhme, is é sin ceathrú céid de rannchuidiú suntasach le comhar trasteorann agus as bainistiú inbhuanaithe ar acmhainní uisciúla. Chun an gharsprioc seo a chomóradh, d’óstáil an Ghníomhaireacht mórshiompóisiam idirnáisiúnta i nDoire, ag mealladh di níos mó ná 100 eolaí, acadóirí, páirtithe leasmhara agus cinnteoirí beartais ó gach cearn den domhan. Bhí an ócáid dhá lá dírithe ar shaineolas a bhailiú ar rialachas agus ar chomhoibriú i gcosaint na gcóras uisce, agus na gcóras uiscí agus muirí.

D’éirigh le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna i 2024 freisin a Straitéis Feabhsaithe Iascaigh agus Slatiascaireachta agus na Pleananna Gníomhaíochta a sheoladh do chriosanna báistí an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn, rud a léiríonn dul chun cinn suntasach inár dtiomantas do bhainistiú inbhuanaithe iascach. Leag an Straitéis seo amach tionscnaimh spriocdhírithe chun daonraí iasc a threisiú agus gnáthóga a fheabhsú, agus cuireadh béim ag an am céanna ar shlatiascaireacht inbhuanaithe a chothú.

I gcaitheamh 2024, rinne Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna dul chun cinn mór maidir le cur i bhfeidhm an Phlean Gníomhaíochta Aeráide againn, ag léiriú leis sin ár dtiomantas dul i ngleic le tionchair an athraithe aeráide ar chórais uiscí.

Agus sinn ag dul i ngleic le dúshláin amhail athrú aeráide agus caillteanas bithéagsúlachta, táimid dírithe i gcónaí ar chuntasacht, trédhearcacht agus comhoibriú. Léirítear lenár dtiomantas don taighde eolaíoch, don infheistíocht in oibríochtaí fritháireamh iasc agus do réitigh nádúr-bhunaithe an cur chuige réamhghníomhach atá againn maidir le feabhas a chur ar chórais uiscí fad is atáimid ag an am céanna ag dul i ngleic le dúshláin comhshaoil. Tá ár seirbhís eolaíoch ríthábhachtach i gcónaí, agus is é sin a threoraíonn ár gcinntí bainistíochta agus a chinntíonn úsáid inbhuanaithe na n-acmhainní nádúrtha.

Ba mhian liom aitheantas a thabhairt don obair dhíograiseach a rinne ár bhfoireann ar fad i gcaitheamh 2024, agus buíochas a ghabháil lenár mBord agus lenár Ranna Urraíochta as a dtacaíocht leanúnach.

Sharon McMahon Príomhoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin

CÉ MUIDNE

Is gníomhaireacht de chuid Choimisiún Lochanna Feabhail, Cairlinn agus Soilse Éireann (FCILC) í Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna, a bunaíodh mar cheann de na Comhlachtaí Cur Chun Feidhme Thuaidh/ Theas faoi Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta/Bhéal Feirste, arna mbunú faoin Ordú um Chomhoibriú Thuaidh/Theas (Comhlachtaí Forfheidhmithe) (Tuaisceart Éireann) 1999 agus na hAchtanna um Chomhaontú na Breataine-na hÉireann 1999 agus 2002.

Tugann Bord Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna tuairisc don Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas (NSMC) agus dá Ranna Urraíochta Rialtais – an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe (DAERA) sa Tuaisceart, agus an Roinn Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide (DECC) sa Deisceart. Maoiníonn DAERA, i dTuaisceart Éireann, agus DECC, in Éirinn, an Ghníomhaireacht ar bhonn 50:50.

Tá ár bPríomh-Oifig lonnaithe i nDoire, agus tá Oifig Réigiúnach againn i gCairlinn, Co. Lú agus iosta oibríochta in Ómaigh.

Is é fís na Gníomhaireachta:

“Trí chomhpháirtíocht agus trí eolaíocht, ár n-iascach agus acmhainní nádúrtha a chosaint agus a fhorbairt.”

Is é ár misean ná:

“Bainistiú go hinbhuanaithe, agus iascach agus acmhainní Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Cairlinn a chur chun cinn agus a fhorbairt.”

Tá freagracht ar an nGníomhaireacht as 4,070km² de dhobharcheantar i limistéar an Fheabhail agus 480km² i gCairlinn , mar aon le freagracht as an dá loch mara agus limistéar a shíneann 12 mhíle amach san fharraige ó Loch Feabhail, a leathnaíonn ó Dhruim an Chnoic (Downhill), Tuaisceart Éireann go Cionn Mhálanna, Dún na nGall. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht Lochanna ag cur bainistíocht iascaigh trasteorann i bhfeidhm sna huiscí seo ó bhunaíodh a réamhtheachtaí, an Coimisiún Iascaigh Feabhail (Foyle Fisheries Commission), i 1952, agus é freagrach as bainistíocht agus cosaint an bhradáin Atlantaigh agus iascach intíre i ndobharcheantar an Fheabhail.

Is é aidhm na Gníomhaireachta Lochanna tairbhí sóisialta, eacnamaíocha agus comhshaoil atá inbhuanaithe a sholáthar trí chaomhnú, bainistíocht, cur chun cinn agus forbairt éifeachtach a dhéanamh ar iascach agus ar acmhainní mara Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Cairlinn

Is iad feidhmeanna reachtúla na Gníomhaireachta:

• Cur chun cinn fhorbairt Loch Feabhail agus Loch Cairlinn chun críocha tráchtála agus fóillíochta i ndáil le hábhair mhara, iascaigh agus uisceshaothraithe.

• Bainistiú, caomhnú, cosaint, feabhsú agus forbairt na n-iascach intíre i gCeantair Fheabhail agus Cairlinn.

• Forbairt agus ceadúnú Uisceshaothraithe agus Sliog-Iascach (Shellfisheries).

• Forbairt Turasóireachta Mara.

Is iad na príomhthosaíochtaí straitéiseacha a sainaithníodh inár Treo Straitéiseach don Deich mBliana Nua 2020-30, a chuireann ar cumas Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna a dualgas reachtúil a chomhlíonadh:

• Caighdeáin a Ardú;

• Naisc a Chruthú;

• Trasdul Cothrom; agus

• Sármhaitheas Eagraíochtúil.

Is iad ár spriocanna:

• Ár ndualgas reachtúil maidir le caomhnú agus cosaint a chur i bhfeidhm go hinbhuanaithe;

• Naisc a chruthú trí rannpháirtíocht agus cumarsáid éifeachtach;

• Trasdul Cothrom a thuiscint agus a chur chun cinn go straitéiseach; agus

• Gach ball foirne a mheas, ár bhfórsa oibre a spreagadh agus feidhmíocht a fheabhsú trí nuálaíocht.

COMHIONANNAS, ÉAGSÚLACHT, INSCNE

Tá tiomantas ag Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna maidir le timpeallacht oibre dhearfach, chuimsitheach a chruthú agus a chothabháil dá fostaithe. Tá sé mar aidhm againn a áirithiú go bhfuil an urraim agus an t-ómós céanna againn do gach fostaí agus go bhfuil an eagraíocht ionadaíoch do bhaill na sochaí ar fad. Tuigimid gurb é atá i gceist leis an éagsúlacht ná meas a bheith ar gach duine mar dhuine aonair – tá meas againn ar ár bhfostaithe, ar iarrthóirí poist, ar mhic léinn, ar chomhpháirtithe agus ar chuairteoirí, mar dhaoine. Léirítear é seo leis na luachanna agus na hiompraíochtaí a bhíonn againn agus leis na nósanna ceannaireachta againn a chinntíonn na nithe seo a leanas:

• Caithimid le gach duine go cóir agus le comhbhá; agus

• Tugaimid treoir go hionraic agus go barántúil.

Tiomantas do Chomhionannas, Éagsúlacht agus Cuimsiú

Creidimid go dtéann sé chun tairbhe gach duine nuair a ghlactar le héagsúlacht smaointe, tuairimí agus modhanna oibre ó dhaoine as cúlraí, taithí agus aitheantais éagsúla, agus nuair a chuirtear an éagsúlacht sin ar an láthair. Cuidíonn sé seo lenár bhfostaithe fás agus foghlaim, tugann sé deis dóibh a lánacmhainneacht a bhaint amach, feabhsaíonn sé cinnteoireacht, spreagann sé rannpháirtíocht agus nuálaíocht agus cuireann sé ar ár gcumas freastal níos fearr ar riachtanais ár gcustaiméirí éagsúlacha.

Chuige seo, tá na tiomantais seo a leanas glactha againn:

• Timpeallacht a chruthú ina n-aithnítear agus ina moltar difríochtaí aonair agus rannchuidiú gach ball foirne;

• Gan aon chineál iompar do-ghlactha, ciapadh, idirdhealú, bulaíocht (lena n-áirítear cibearbhulaíocht) ná íospartaíocht a fhulaingt in aon réimse fostaíochta ná i soláthar ár seirbhísí dár gcustaiméirí;

• Treoir agus oiliúint a sholáthar don Bhord, d’fhostaithe agus do chonraitheoirí maidir le héagsúlacht, cuimsiú agus cothromas deiseanna;

• Spreagadh a thabhairt do dhuine ar bith a mheasann gur cuireadh faoi leithcheal é nó í, nó a chonaic leithcheal, an t-ábhar buartha sin a chur in iúl leis an mBainisteoir Líne nó le hionadaí ceardchumainn;

• Gach duine a chur ar an eolas faoin bhfreagracht phearsanta maidir le cothromas deiseanna a chur i bhfeidhm agus a chur chun cinn i ngnáthchúrsaí oibre le daoine eile, agus fostaithe a spreagadh chun caitheamh le gach duine le dínit agus le meas;

• Athbhreithniú rialta a dhéanamh ar ár gcleachtais, polasaithe agus nósanna imeachta fostaíochta

uile chun cloí leis na ceanglais atá sa ráiteas seo a chinntiú; agus

• Monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar éifeachtacht ár dtiomantais don éagsúlacht agus don chuimsiú, agus ar na polasaithe agus nósanna imeachta tacaíochta, agus na torthaí a chur in iúl do na comhlachtaí comhairleacha ar a laghad uair sa bhliain.

Éilímid ar gach ball foirne na tiomantais seo a aithint agus gníomhú dá réir. Ina theannta sin, cloífidh muid le gach reachtaíocht agus dea-chleachtas ábhartha.

Ní dhéanfar idirdhealú éagórach ar aon duine. Áirítear air seo, gan a bheith teoranta do na forais seo, idirdhealú mar gheall ar aois, míchumas, athrú inscne, pósadh agus páirtnéireacht shibhialta, toircheas agus máithreachas, cine, reiligiún nó creideamh, inscne agus claonadh gnéis.

Déileáil le hIdirdhealú

Meastar go bhfuil iompar do-ghlactha, ciapadh, idirdhealú, bulaíocht (lena n-áirítear cibearbhulaíocht) nó íospartaíocht aon duine ag teacht salach ar ár n-uaillmhian timpeallacht oibre thacúil a chothú, agus ní ghlacfar leis. Déanfar imscrúdú ar aon líomhaintí dá leithéid d’iompar, agus gearrfar pionós iad más cuí, de réir an Pholasaí agus Nós Imeachta um Dhínit san Áit Oibre.

Freagracht

• Tá freagracht fhoriomlán ar an mBord a chinntiú go n-oibrímid i gcreatlach comhionannais deiseanna;

• Tá freagracht bhainistíochta fhoriomlán ar an bhFoireann Bhainistíochta Sinsearach, atá tarmligthe do gach bainisteoir ar fud na heagraíochta;

• Tá dualgas ar gach fostaí tacú agus seasamh leis na prionsabail atá mar bhunús dár dtiomantas do chomhionannas, éagsúlacht agus cuimsiú, chomh maith leis na beartais agus na nósanna imeachta tacaíochta; agus

• Tá freagracht as athbhreithniú na ráite seo ar an Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí Corparáideacha.

Déantar athbhreithniú rialta ar an ráiteas seo agus leasaítear é más gá de réir athruithe reachtaíochta nó eagraíochta. Tá sé ar fáil don phobal trínár suíomh gréasáin agus trí mhodhanna eile.

COMHALTAÍ AN BHOIRD

Tá 12 Chomhalta ar Bhord FCILC, iad ceaptha ag an NSMC. Comhlíonann an Bord feidhmeanna na Comhlachta maidir le Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Cairlinn trí Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna. I rith fhormhór 2024, bhí triúr ban agus seachtar fear ina gcomhaltaí den Bhord. Ón 1ú Aibreán 2022, bhí comhalta amháin díobh neamhghníomhach mar gheall ar an staid pholaitiúil leanúnach i dTuaisceart Éireann. Tháinig deireadh le téarma beirte Comhaltaí den Bhord ar an 12ú Nollaig 2024.

Tá ceithre fholúntas ar an mBord faoi láthair: Leas-Chathaoirleach amháin agus trí Chomhalta den Bhord.

Rialachas

Leagtar amach ról agus freagrachtaí Bhord Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna sa Mheamram Airgeadais don Ghníomhaireacht; nithe a mheasann an Bord go sonrach, lena n-áirítear:

• Dearbhú Leasanna;

• Straitéis an Bhoird a leagan síos, i gcomhaontú leis an NSMC (Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas);

• Tuarascálacha ó Choistí;

• Tuarascálacha Airgeadais / Cuntais Bhainistíochta;

• Tuarascálacha Feidhmíochta, agus

• Ábhair Forchoimeádta.

Faoi na hoibleagáidí atá leagtha síos sa Chód Iompair, tá freagracht chorparáideach ar an mBord a chinntiú go gcomhlíonann an Ghníomhaireacht na haidhmeanna agus na cuspóirí atá leagtha síos ag na Ranna Urraíochta; DAERA agus DECC, atá formheasta ag an NSMC, agus as úsáid éifeachtúil, eacnamaíoch, éifeachtach fhoireann agus acmhainní eile na Gníomhaireachta a chur chun cinn.

An Bord

Bord Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna:

• Socraíonn sé treo straitéiseach foriomlán na Gníomhaireachta laistigh den chreat beartais agus acmhainní atá leagtha síos ag an NSMC, na hAirí ábhartha agus na Ranna Urraíochta;

• Cuireann sé dúshlán cuiditheach roimh Fhoireann Bhainistíochta Sinsearaí na Gníomhaireachta ina bpleanáil, ina socrú spriocanna agus ina seachadadh feidhmíochta;

• Cinntíonn sé go gcoinnítear na Ranna Urraíochta ar an eolas faoi aon athruithe gur dócha go rachaidh siad i bhfeidhm ar an treo straitéiseach atá ag an nGníomhaireacht, nó ar an méid a bhfuil a spriocanna inbhainte amach, agus socraíonn sé na céimeanna atá riachtanach chun déileáil leis na hathruithe sin;

• Cinntíonn sé go gcomhlíontar aon riachtanais reachtúla nó riaracháin maidir le húsáid cistí poiblí; go n-oibríonn an Ghníomhaireacht laistigh de theorainneacha a húdarás reachtúil agus aon údarás tarmligthe a aontaíodh leis na Ranna Urraíochta, agus de réir aon choinníollacha eile a bhaineann le húsáid cistí poiblí; agus go nglacann an Bord, agus cinntí á ndéanamh aige, gach treoir ábhartha arna heisiúint ag an NSMC, na Ranna Airgeadais, agus na Ranna Urraíochta san áireamh;

• Cinntíonn sé go bhfaigheann sé agus go ndéanann sé athbhreithniú rialta ar fhaisnéis airgeadais maidir le bainistíocht na Gníomhaireachta; go gcuirtear ar an eolas go tráthúil é faoi aon imní a bhaineann le gníomhaíochtaí na Gníomhaireachta; agus go dtugann sé dearbhú dearfach do na Ranna Urraíochta go ndearnadh gníomh cuí maidir leis na hábhair imní sin; agus

• Léiríonn sé ardchaighdeáin rialachas corparáideach i gcónaí, lena n-áirítear an Coiste Iniúchta agus Riosca neamhspleách a úsáid chun cabhrú leis an mBord dul i ngleic leis na príomhrioscaí airgeadais agus eile atá roimh an nGníomhaireacht.

Reáchtáladh sé chruinniú den Bhord i 2024. Measann an Bord gur léiriú fíor agus cothrom iad na Ráitis Airgeadais ar fheidhmíocht airgeadais agus ar staid airgeadais na Gníomhaireachta ag deireadh na bliana.

Seo mionsonraí faoi chomhaltas an Bhoird agus tinreamh ar chruinnithe i rith 2024:

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

COISTE INIÚCHTA AGUS RIOSCA

Bhunaigh Bord an FCILC Coiste Iniúchta agus Riosca chun tacú leo ina bhfreagrachtaí maidir le riosca, rialú agus rialachas, agus leis an iontaofacht a ghabhann leis.

Cuireann an Coiste Iniúchta agus Riosca comhairle ar fáil don Oifigeach Cuntasaíochta agus don Bhord maidir le:

• Na próisis straitéiseacha chun riosca, rialú agus rialachas a bhainistiú, agus an Ráiteas ar an gCóras Rialaithe Inmheánaigh / an Ráiteas Rialachais;

• Na beartais chuntasaíochta agus Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais na Gníomhaireachta;

• Gníomhaíochtaí beartaithe agus torthaí an Iniúchta Inmheánaigh agus Seachtraigh araon;

• Leordhóthanacht fhreagra na bainistíochta ar shaincheisteanna a shainaithnítear i dtuarascálacha iniúchta Inmheánacha agus Seachtracha;

• Dearbhuithe a bhaineann le bainistíocht riosca agus riachtanais rialachais corparáide na Gníomhaireachta;

• Breithniú a dhéanamh ar pholasaithe frith-chalaoise, próisis sceithireachta agus socruithe le haghaidh imscrúduithe speisialta;

• Aon tuarascálacha ábhartha a fháil ón Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste agus ó eagraíochtaí eile; agus

• Breithniú a dhéanamh ar na torthaí ó aon athbhreithnithe inmheánacha nó seachtracha a théann i bhfeidhm go suntasach ar an nGníomhaireacht.

Rinne Coiste Iniúchta agus Riosca, thar ceann an Bhoird, measúnú ar phríomhrioscaí na Gníomhaireachta, lena n-áirítear cur síos ar na rioscaí sin, agus ar na bearta maolaithe nó na straitéisí ghaolmhara.

Tionóladh ceithre chruinniú de Choiste Iniúchta agus Riosca i 2024. Seo a leanas sonraí faoi chomhaltas an Choiste Iniúchta agus Riosca agus an tineamh ar chruinnithe a tionóladh i rith 2024:

Dáta

15ú Aibreán

11ú Meitheamh

19ú Meán Fómhair

3ú Nollaig

COMHAIRLE AIREACHTA THUAIDH/ THEAS

AN CHOMHAIRLE AIREACHTA THUAIDH/TUAISCEART

Le linn 2024, d’fhreastail an Ghníomhaireacht ar chruinniú earnála Uisceshaothraithe agus Mara de chuid NSMC a tionóladh ar an 10ú Meitheamh 2024.

Tá sonraí faoin gcruinniú ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin NSMC

RIALACHASCORPARÁIDEACH

RIALACHAS CORPARÁIDEACH

Is príomhchumasóir í an Stiúrthóireacht Seirbhísí Corparáideacha maidir le spriocanna straitéiseacha na Gníomhaireachta a bhaint amach. Lean an Ghníomhaireacht uirthi ag comhlíonadh a dualgais Rialachas Corparáideach i gcaitheamh 2024. Léiríodh é seo trí nuashonruithe rialta a chur ar fáil don Bhord agus don Choiste Iniúchta agus Riosca , mar aon le cloí leis na próisis bainistíochta riosca agus a chinntiú go mbíonn córas éifeachtach rialaithe inmheánaigh i bhfeidhm.

Iniúchadh Inmheánach

Is cuid thábhachtach den Rialachas Corparáideach foriomlán don Ghníomhaireacht é an tIniúchadh Inmheánach. Déanann an tIniúchadh Inmheánach tástáil ar chórais, nósanna imeachta gaolmhara agus rialuithe, agus tuairiscíonn sé ar a n-éifeachtacht. Fuair an Ghníomhaireacht rátáil sásúil in 2024.

FOIREANNÚ

Feidhmíonn an Ghníomhaireacht laistigh de struchtúr cheithre Stiúrthóireacht (Uisceshaothrú & SliogIascaigh, Caomhnú & Cosaint, Seirbhísí Corparáideacha agus Forbairt) agus rannóg Eolaíochta, le comhlán croí-fhoirne buan (permanent core staffing complement) faofa de 53.

Cairt Eagraíochtúil na Bainistíochta Sinsearaí ar an 31ú Nollaig 2024

Príomhfheidhmeannach

Stiúrthóir Uisceshaothraithe agus Sliog-iascach

Stiúrthóir Caomhnaithe agus Cosanta

Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

Stiúrthóir Forbartha Ceann na hEolaíochta

FORBAIRT FOIRNE

Aithníonn an Ghníomhaireacht an tábhacht a bhaineann le forbairt foirne agus le tionscnaimh leanúnacha don fhorbairt phearsanta chuí a sholáthar do gach ball foirne. I gcaitheamh na bliana, chuir an Ghníomhaireacht riachtanais oiliúna agus forbartha na foirne san áireamh, ag díriú ar eolas agus scileanna a choimeád agus ar an gcineál spreagtha a bheadh oiriúnach do chuspóirí na Gníomhaireachta a bhaint amach agus do riachtanais aonair.

BAINISTIÚ GEARÁN

Bainistiú Gearán

Tá nós imeachta maidir le láimhseáil gearán ag an nGníomhaireacht. Tá an nós imeachta ar fáil anseo Ní bhfuarthas aon ghearán in 2024.

NA PRÍOMHGHNÓTHACHTÁLACHA IN 2024

Cosaint Iascach

I rith 2024, lean foirne cosanta ar aghaidh ag déanamh patróil ar an gcósta agus ar uiscí le báid i Réigiúin an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn agus lean siad de ghearradh ar sháraitheoirí sa dá dhlínse, i gcúirteanna sibhialta agus coiriúla araon. Bhí na gníomhaíochtaí seo mar chuid de chlár láidir gníomhaíochtaí chun neamhchomhlíonadh reachtaíocht iascaigh a bhrath agus a dhíspreagadh. Lean gníomhaíocht iascaigh neamhdhleathach ar aghaidh i gcaitheamh na tréimhse tuairiscithe, agus áirítear leis sin líonadóireacht bradán neamhdhleathach agus sáruithe éagsúla slatiascaireachta.

Tá an Ghníomhaireacht buíoch as an tacaíocht leanúnach ó Sheirbhís Póilíneachta Thuaisceart Éireann agus ón Gharda Síochána.

Teagmhais Truaillithe

I gcaitheamh 2024, rinne Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna bainistiú ar shaincheisteanna a bhain le truailliú uisce. Tháinig an chuid is mó de na teagmhais seo ó fhoinsí talmhaíochta. Bhí tromchúis íseal nó meánach ag baint le formhór na dteagmhas seo. I gcásanna a measadh a bheith tromchúiseach nó ina ndearnadh damáiste suntasach don chomhshaol, bailíodh samplaí reachtúla agus ullmhaíodh comhaid le haghaidh cásanna ionchúisimh. Tuairiscíodh cúig chás de shlad ar éisc le linn 2024 i mbailte fearainn Fheabhal agus Chairlinn, a ndearna criúnna Cosanta Iascaigh imscrúdú orthu agus a d’eascair gníomhartha forfheidhmithe astu, lena n-áirítear imeachtaí cúirte agus fíneálacha. Ina theannta sin, d’fhreagair foireann na Gníomhaireachta do dhoirteadh ola, do sceitheadh séarachais, do láithreáin líonta talún neamhúdaraithe agus do shaincheisteanna a tháinig chun cinn ó bhainistíocht tionscadal fuinneamh glas.

I rith na bliana, d’imscrúdaigh an Ghníomhaireacht 276 eachtra.

Straitéis Eolaíochta

Tá seachadadh eolaíoch Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna bunaithe ar bhoinn reachtaíochta comhshaoil áitiúil, náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta, agus ar riachtanais thuairiscithe. Tá ról buanseasmhach ag Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna maidir le cur chun feidhme cinntí tábhachtacha sa dá dhlínse i ndáil le comhaontuithe náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta, Treoracha an Aontais Eorpaigh agus rialacháin.

Is é príomhchuspóir atá taobh thiar de sheachadadh eolaíoch Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna ná comhairle eolaíoch chruinn a sholáthar chun tacú le bainistíocht chomhshaoil agus le forbairt beartais a dhéanann an Ghníomhaireacht. Tá gá le fianaise eolaíoch bhailithe chun tacú le gach cinneadh bainistíochta comhshaoil d’fhonn caomhnú agus úsáid inbhuanaithe iascaigh agus acmhainní nádúrtha cheantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn a chinntiú. Úsáideann Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna taighde eolaíoch chun comhairle a chur ar fáil le haghaidh cinntí bainistíochta i dtrí phríomhréimse taighde. Tá buaicphointí na bliana 2024 liostaithe thíos faoi gach réimse taighde.

Bainistiú agus Caomhnú Inbhuanaithe Salmainide agus stoc iasc eile i gCriosanna Abhann an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn

• Cuireadh Suirbhé Measúnaithe ar Stoc Iasc Lochán Socair, a chomhlíonann An Chreat-Treoir Uisce (WFD), i gcrích ar Loch Mhic Ruairí i samhradh 2024.

• Lean Foireann Eolaíochta na Gníomhaireachta de bheith ag obair i gcomhar le comhpháirtithe tionscadail arna maoiniú go seachtrach i STRAITS, DTOTrack agus NorTrack, trí chórais teileimeadracha fuaimiúla a imlonnú in 2024.

• San iomlán, cuireadh 200 clib (meascán de chlibeanna aitheantais, clibeanna báis agus clibeanna cláir) i mbrainlín bradáin agus breac geal mara in Abhainn na Ró, Abhainn na Fochaine agus san Abhainn Bhán. Chlib an Ghníomhaireacht eascanna Eorpacha den chéad uair i gcrios abhann Chairlinn i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2024 freisin.

• Tá Ceadúnais Bhunaithe agus Thionscadail ag Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna anois chun iasc a chlibeáil sa dá chóras i dTuaisceart Éireann agus in Éirinn.

Bainistíocht Inbhuanaithe agus Caomhnú Stoc Oisrí Dúchasacha Loch Feabhail

• I gcaitheamh 2024, rinne an Ghníomhaireacht suirbhéanna ilghnéitheacha ar oisrí dúchasacha a sholáthair na boinn faisnéise riachtanacha do chinntí bainistíochta maidir le hoibriú inbhuanaithe Iascaigh Oisrí Dúchasacha Loch Feabhail.

• Tá an Ghníomhaireacht tar éis tús a chur chomh maith leis an suirbhé is déanaí ar ghníomhaíocht uisceshaothraithe neamhrialaithe oisrí an Aigéin Chiúin ar Loch Feabhail.

Forbairt / Caomhnú / Athchóiriú Éiceachórais Uisceacha i gCrios Abhann an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn

• Ba é séasúr an tsamhraidh 2024 an 18ú bliain as a chéile de mhonatóireacht ar cháilíocht uisce ag 107 suíomh ar fud chrios abhann an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

• Leanadh leis an trealamh teileiméadrachta fíor-ama do chaighdeán an uisce agus le stáisiúin seasta aimsire.

• In 2024 úsáideadh tacair shonraí chomhdhlúite ar scála na habhann chun boinn fianaise a sholáthar do bheagnach 50 saothar feabhsúcháin gnáthóige.

Áiritheoirí Éisc

Le tacaíocht óna Ranna Urraíochta, tá infheistíocht shuntasach déanta ag an nGníomhaireacht in oibríochtaí áiritheoirí éisc lena n-áirítear feidhmchláir intleachta saorga chun bailíochtú na n-áiritheoirí a fheabhsú. Tá tomhsairí teileiméadracha abhann suiteáilte ag an gclár freisin chun monatóireacht agus freagairt a dhéanamh ar mhór-imeachtaí a bhaineann leis an athrú aeráide. Tá sé áiritheoir éisc ag feidhmiú faoi láthair i gcóras an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn, gur áiritheoirí reachtúla ceithre cinn díobh. Baineann Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna úsáid as aschur sonraí ó áiritheoirí éisc ar Abhainn na Finne, Abhainn na Moirne, Abhainn na Ró agus Abhainn na Fochaine chun cinntí bainistíochta ar iascaigh tráchtála agus fóillíochta a threorú. Baineann an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe (DAERA) agus Iascach Intíre Éireann (IFI) úsáid as na sonraí freisin agus tuairiscítear iad chuig an Eagraíocht Chaomhnaithe Bradán an Atlantaigh Thuaidh (NASCO) agus chuig an gComhairle Idirnáisiúnta um Thaiscéalaíocht na Mara (ICES).

Socraítear srianta ar iascaigh tráchtála agus ar ghabháil agus scaoileadh saor de réir Spriocanna Bainistíochta (MTanna) i gcomhréir leis na Rialacháin um Limistéar an Fheabhail (Rialú Iascaireachta 2010. Úsáidtear MTanna bunaithe ar Theorainneacha Caomhnaithe (CLanna) chun bainistiú fíor-ama a dhéanamh ar bhradán laistigh de limistéar an Fheabhail.

• Sainmhíníonn CLanna an líon íosta bradán atá ag teastáil le haghaidh sceite san abhainn, is é sin, an leibhéal stoc sceite a tháirgeann an t-uasmhéid toraidh inbhuanaithe.

• Tagann MTanna ó CLanna. Tá MTanna Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna 25% níos airde ná a CLanna féin.

Cuireadh comhairle maidir le leithdháileadh clibeanna do 2024 ar fáil bunaithe ar shonraí ó áiritheoirí éisc 2023. Sa bhliain 2023, baineadh na sonraí seo a leanas as na háiritheoirí éisc suite de réir reachtaíocha a bhí mar bhonn don chinneadh bainistíochta seo a leanas i 2024:

• Níor shroich Abhainn na Finne a Sprioc Bainistíochta;

• Bunaithe ar shonraí ó obair Ollscoil Ghlaschú ar an gcora i Muileann an tSiáin, shroich Abhainn na Moirne a Sprioc Bainistíochta;

• Shroich Abhainn na Fochaine a Sprioc Bainistíochta; agus

• Shroich Abhainn na Ró a Sprioc Bainistíochta.

Úsáideadh figiúirí áiritheora éisc 2024 ó na ceithre áiritheoir reachtúla chun comhairle a chur ar fáil d’iascaigh bradáin an Atlantaigh in 2025.

An Chreat-Treoir Uisce

Is é clár samplála na Creat-Treorach Uisce an tosaíocht sa seachadadh i ngach séasúr allamuigh. Is suirbhé leictreasiascaigh go hiomlán cainníochtúil atá sa suirbhé seo agus is ceanglas reachtach é faoi Chreat-Treoir Uisce 2000/60/CE. Leagtar amach in Aguisín V den Chreat-Treoir Uisce go gcuimseofar aibhneacha i gcláir mhonatóireachta agus go ndéanfar scrúdú ar chomhdhéanamh, flúirse agus struchtúr aoise na fána iasc. Tugtar na sonraí a bhailítear le linn an tsuirbhé seo ar ais do na comhlachtaí dlínse ábhartha le cur san áireamh i dtuarascálacha foriomlána dlínse. Cuirtear clár samplála na Creat-Treorach Uisce i bhfeidhm ag 26 suíomh laistigh de limistéar freagrachta Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna (23 suíomh i dTuaisceart Éireann agus 3 shuíomh in Éirinn). Reachtáiltear na suíomhanna seo ar rothlú trí bliana mar ní féidir na 26 suíomh go léir a chur i gcrích i mbliain amháin. Leanann rothlú ginearálta an patrún seo:

• Bliain 1 = 9 suíomh

• Bliain 2 = 9 suíomh

• Bliain 3 = 8 suíomh

Tuairiscítear na sonraí ó na láithreáin i dTuaisceart Éireann chuig DAERA gach bliaint. Ciallaíonn rothlú na láithreán go ndéantar suirbhé ar na trí láithreán go léir in Éirinn sa bhliain chéanna agus, dá bhrí sin, nach dtuairiscítear na sonraí sin chuig an nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil (EPA) ach uair amháin gach trí bliana.

Bliain suirbhé naoi láithreán ab ea 2024:

Cód Láithreáin

Abhainn (F10014) Abhainn Ghleannmhornáin (F10020) Sruthán Dhún na Bó (F10022) An Dianaid (F10025) Finn (F10076) Sruthán Choinnigh Ghlinne (F10077) Abhainn Uí Chille (F10079) Gleann Aichle (F10086) An tStruchail (F10763) Skeoge

Speicis Ionracha

Rinne Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna roinnt suirbhéanna spriocdhírithe ar speicis ionracha i rith 2024. Bhí béim suirbhéanna na speiceas ionrach i 2024 go príomha ar an gcliabhán Áiseach i gcóras an Fheabhail agus ar an dreancán zéabra i lochanna scoite. Bhí suirbhé an bhreallaigh Áisigh comhdhéanta de shuirbhéanna fisiceacha ar Abhainn an Fheabhail, Abhainn na Moirne, Swilly Burn, St Johnston Burn, Abhainn Ghleannmhornáin, Abhainn na Finne, An Dianaid, Abhainn na Daoile, Carrigans Burn agus Canáil an tSratha Báin chun scaipeadh an daonra a dhoiciméadú.

Dearadh suirbhé an dreancáin zéabra chun láithreacht dreancán zéabra i lochanna iascaireachta nár taifeadadh cheana a aithint. Baineadh úsáid as teicnící nuálacha eDNA sa staidéar chun láithreacht dreancán zéabra a aithint. Níor aimsíodh láithreacht dreancán zéabra i gceann ar bith de na lochanna a sampláladh – cé gur dhearbhaigh an suíomh rialaithe i gCanáil an Iúir, áit a bhfuil an dreancán zéabra cruthaithe cheana, láithreacht an dreancáin, rud a léirigh bailíocht na dteicnící nua.

Athchóiriú na Moirne Bige

Ar an 13ú Samhain 2020, shleamhnaigh thart ar 4.5 heicteár de bhogach móna, atá in aice le suíomh forbartha feirme gaoithe, isteach i sruthán beathaithe agus ina dhiaidh sin isteach in Abhainn na Moirne Bige.

Le linn 2024 lean Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna de mhonatóireacht a dhéanamh ar shláinte Abhainn na Moirne Bige trí leictreasiascaigh agus suirbhéanna ar mhacra-inveirteabraigh, agus tá tuilleadh suirbhéanna sceidealta le bheith ar siúl in 2025. Cuirfidh na suirbhéanna breise seo bonn fianaise ar fáil chun measúnú a dhéanamh ar thionchar fadtéarmach na sciorradh talún ar an Mhorn Bheag agus ar éifeachtúlacht na modheolaíochtaí athchóirithe gnáthóige a cuireadh i bhfeidhm ag Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna in 2022. Dréachtadh moladh breise freisin le haghaidh oibreacha athchóirithe abhann fócasaithe, a chabhróidh le hathdhaonrú bradánach sna codanna uachtaracha d’Abhainn na Moirne Bige, áit ar taifeadadh líon salmainidí níos ísle ná mar a bhíothas ag súil leis de bharr chaighdeán na gnáthóige.

Tá Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna tar éis tús a chur le measúnú ar na sonraí a bailíodh, agus tá sé d’aidhm aici tuarascáil a ullmhú a leagfaidh amach tionchair an sciorrtha talún ar leibhéal áitiúil, náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta ar an ngné roghnaithe láithreáin, an bradán Atlantach, de réir Threoir maidir le Dliteanais Comhshaoil (2004/35/EC).

Measúnú ar Sceitheadh na nOisrí Dúchasacha

Cuireadh an measúnú ar sceitheadh na n-oisrí dúchasacha i gcrích idir Bealtaine agus deireadh Mheán Fómhair 2024. Bailíodh samplaí seachtainiúla ó chúig láthair chun aibíocht na ngonáid sa stoc oisrí, athruithe i líon na larbhaí débhlaoscacha agus na dálaí comhshaoil a mheas.

Is príomhthionchar í treocht na teochta uisce ar rath sceite, agus léirigh treochtaí 2024 séasúr sceite samhraidh a bhí optamach, go háirithe i lár an tséasúir. Lean cainníochtaí larbhaí patrúin níos traidisiúnta i mbliana, le buaicmhéideanna le sonrú ó dheireadh Iúil go lár Lúnasa 2024, ag teacht le treochtaí staire ó na suirbhéanna roimhe seo. Bhí teochtaí uisce sa tréimhse seo laistigh den raon a bhíothas ag súil leis do sceitheadh rathúil. Taifeadadh eachtra sceite thánaisteach níos lú i dtús Mheán Fómhair, ag teacht le patrúin shéasúracha ghnáthúla.

Buaic-Chomhairimh Larbhaí i rith Iúil–Lúnasa 2024:

• Rinneadh an comhaireamh buaic-larbhaí ab airde ag Rinn Uí Choigligh le 21 larbha.

• Bhí buaic-lárbhaí ard ag Perch freisin le 17.67 larbha, agus Flat Ground ina dhiaidh sin le 14.67 larbha.

• Ba iad an Taobh Theas agus an Lárleaba a bhí ar an líon buaic is ísle, le 9.67 agus 10 lárbha, faoi seach.

Buaic-Chomhaireamh Lárbhaí Iomlán:

• Tá na buaic-chomhairimh lárbhaí do gach suíomh mar an gcéanna leis na buaiceanna Iúil-Lúnasa, rud a léiríonn gurbh iad na míonna is teo a bhí mar thréimhse leis na comhairimh is airde.

• Bhí an Lárleaba (2.09 lárbha) agus Perch (1.97 lárbha) beagán os cionn na meánghné.

• Ba é an Taobh Theas a bhí ar an meán is ísle (1.62 lárbha), rud a léiríonn earcaíocht níos ísle go leanúnach.

Measúnú Stoc Oisrí Dúchais

Cuireadh anailís stoc i gcrích ag dhá phointe sa bhliain. Leis an suirbhé earraigh bhíothas in ann anailís a dhéanamh ar an stoc i ndiaidh iascaigh an tséasúir roimhe seo agus thug an suirbhé fómhair nuashonrú ar an iompar daonra thar na míonna samhraidh, roimh an séasúr atá le teacht. Le linn an dá shuirbhé, ríomhadh tomhais ar bhithmhais an daonra iomláin agus ar an stoc in-iascaigh trí idirshuíomh. Rinneadh scrúdú freisin ar dhlús stoc ar leapacha aonaracha, ar déimeagrafaic an daonra agus ar rátaí báis.

Cuireadh suirbhé ar leith ar sceitheadh i gcrích le linn na míonna ábhartha, chun rathúlacht sceite an daonra in 2024 a dhoiciméadú. Bailíodh sonraí tacaíochta freisin ar pharaiméadair cháilíochta uisce go míosúil chun cabhrú le léirmhíniú ar tháirgiúlacht an daonra. Is cuid de thacair shonraí fhadtéarmacha iad na sonraí go léir a bailíodh, a chuireann ar chumas na Gníomhaireachta treochtaí a mhaoirsiú.

Tugann na torthaí ó na measúnachtaí stoc le fios go bhfuil feabhas ag teacht ar dhaonra dúchasach na n-oisrí i Loch Feabhail ó thaobh bitheolaíochta de, agus tá dáileadh níos gnáthaí le feiceáil ann, a léiríonn ionadaíocht ó iliomad aicmí aoise. Is cosúil go bhfuil feabhas tagtha ar rátaí fáis sa Loch in 2024 i gcomparáid le 2023. Baineadh úsáid as meastacháin bithmhaise ag 25% éifeachtúlachta tochailte chun cinntí bainistíochta a threorú do Ghníomhaireacht Iascaigh Oisrí Dúchasacha Loch Feabhail 2024/25. Léirigh an suirbhé fómhair bithmhais d’aosaigh os cionn 70mm de 124.97 tona agus bithmhais in-iascairí os cionn 80mm de 78.27 tona.

Bainistiú ar Iascaigh Oisrí Dúchasacha Loch Feabhail

Cuireadh tús le hIascach Oisrí Dúchasacha Loch Feabhail ar an 8ú Deireadh Fómhair 2024. Ba é an t-am iascaigh 8rn go dtí 4in gach lá, ar bhonn trí lá sa tseachtain. Cuireadh 38 iarratas ar cheadúnas isteach don iascach. Cuireadh stop le gníomhaíocht iascaireachta ar feadh tréimhse trí seachtaine ó 25ú Deireadh Fómhair go 19ú Samhain 2024 chun na stoic a chaomhnú agus carnadh stoc oisrí a chosc. Cuireadh an iascaireacht ar fionraí don chuid eile de 2024 ar an Déardaoin, an 12ú Nollaig 2024, faoi réir ag athbhreithniú ar an stoc atá ar fáil don iascaireacht.

San iomlán, ceadaíodh 21 lá iascaireachta sa tréimhse suas go deireadh mhí na Nollag 2024. Measadh gur gabhálacha de thart ar 62 tonna a bhí ann i rith na tréimhse seo.

Measadh go raibh bithmhais iniascach de 78 tonna ar fáil. Rinneadh measúnú ar an iascaireacht i mí Eanáir agus mí Feabhra 2025 agus glacadh cinneadh maidir le hathoscailt ag an bpointe sin don chuid eile den séasúr suas go dtí an 31ú Márta 2025.

na Laethanta

Séasúr Líon Ceadúnas a Díoladh

Tionscadail Feabhsaithe

Feabhsúchán ar Iascach

* ar 31ú Nollaig 2024

** meastachán ar ghabhálacha suas go dtí 31ú Nollaig 2024

Iascaigh agus Slatiascaireachta 2024

Lean Aonad Feabhsúcháin Iascaigh (FIU) na Gníomhaireachta orthu ag cur réitigh nádúrbhunaithe ar fáil d’athchóiriú gnáthóg éisc agus próisis nádúrtha abhann sa bhFeabhail agus i gCairlinn le linn 2024, agus 55 tionscadal curtha i gcrích i 16 fo-ghabháltas abhann. Cuireann an FIU próiseas láidir réamhmheasúnaithe agus tosaíochtaithe i bhfeidhm ar gach ceann de na tionscadail seo, agus soláthraíonn an Fhoireann Eolaíochta an bunachar fianaise, an réasúnaíocht, agus na ceadanna riachtanacha do gach suíomh. Pleanáiltear tionscadail i gcomhréir leis na dea-chleachtais a glacadh in áiteanna eile san RA agus in Éirinn, agus tógtar comhairle ó shaineolaithe seachtracha ar shuíomhanna casta. Úsáideadh bainistíocht dhian tionscadail chun na tionscadail seo a sheachadadh go héifeachtach ar bhonn trasStiúrthóireachta, le grúpa oibre inmheánach ag bualadh le chéile go míosúil in 2024 chun seachadadh rathúil a chinntiú.

Cuirfidh na tionscadail seo go mór leis an dul i ngleic leis na dúshláin dhúbailte a bhaineann le hathrú aeráide agus caillteanas bithéagsúlachta, agus a dtionchair ar iascach amhail laghdú ar dhaonraí iasc agus droch-chaighdeán uisce. Leagtar amach sa tábla thíos na haschuir ó na tionscadail seo a chabhróidh le táirgiúlacht an iascaigh a uasmhéadú. Forbraíodh na tionscadail seo ag Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna i gcomhpháirtíocht le húinéirí talún, clubanna slatiascaireachta áitiúla agus grúpaí pobail.

Cuireadh i bhfeidhm idirghabhálacha ar nós fálú cois abhann agus plandáil cois abhann chun dul i ngleic le caillteanas bithéagsúlachta agus tionchar an athraithe aeráide, agus chun luach an chaipitil nádúrtha inár mbailiúcháin a mhéadú. Cabhraíonn an obair seo le sláine agus éagsúlacht gnáthóg chois abhann agus in-abhann a mhéadú, rud a dhéanann níos athléimní iad i leith na gcomharthaí athraithe aeráide agus na mbrúnna ón truailliú talmhaíochta.

Caiteachas (£)

716,927

Fálú Stiall Maolánach (km) 23.8

Crainn Stiall Maolánach Curtha 13,000

Réiteach Ólta Seachlíne do Bheostoc 173

Pointí Rochtana do Shlatiascairí agus d’Úsáideoirí Feirme 116

Gnáthóg Sceite Cruthaithe (m²) 540

Cobhsaíocht Bruaigh Suiteáilte (m) 1,815

Gnáthóg ógánach cruthaithe (t) 150

I roinnt cásanna, socraíodh go raibh obair ionsrutha laistigh den abhainn riachtanach chun táirgiúlacht a uasmhéadú agus feidhmeanna éiceolaíochta a athbhunú laistigh de na tionscadail a cuireadh i bhfeidhm in 2024. Cuireadh gairbhéal neadaithe i roinnt limistéar, agus in áiteanna eile, athchóiríodh taiscí gairbhéil atá ann cheana isteach i gcainéal na habhann agus/nó glanadh iad chun rath pórúcháin na salmainide a mhéadú. Suiteáladh mataí smionagar agus úsáideadh coraí guairneáin chun iompar dríodair a fheabhsú agus éagsúlacht sreafaí agus gnáthóg a mhéadú. Cruthaíodh linnte nua i roinnt aibhneacha agus úsáideadh carraigeacha móra agus smionagar mór adhmaid chun limistéir tearmainn d’iasc óg a fheabhsú agus caillteanas de bharr creachadóirí a laghdú.

Feabhsúchán Slatiascaireachta

Sheachaid an ciste Feabhsúchán Iascaigh 11 tionscnamh agus thacaigh sé le tionscnamh amháin trí chomhobair ar fud dobharcheantar Feabhail agus Chairlinn. Cuireadh na tionscadail seo i bhfeidhm i gcomhar le clubanna iascaigh agus comhlachtaí rialaithe náisiúnta a bhí gafa go dlúth leis na céimeanna pleanála agus cur i bhfeidhm. Lorgadh léirithe spéise ó gach grúpa iascaireachta i nGleann an Fheabhail agus i gCairlinn i Márta 2024, agus forbraíodh na moltaí tionscadail seo ina dtionscadail indéanta a chomhlíon spriocanna nua na bPleananna Gníomhaíochta Slatiascaireachta de chuid na Gníomhaireachta. Níor cuireadh roinnt moltaí tionscadail i gcrích i 2024 de dheasca nach raibh dóthain faisnéise ar fáil ó chomhpháirtithe chun an tionscadal a thabhairt i gcrích go rathúil. Chuir na tionscadail seo go mór le luach na hiascaireachta don chaipiteal sóisialta sna réigiúin ina raibh siad ar siúl, agus mhúscail siad feasacht faoi na deiseanna atá ann d’iascairí nua agus d’iascairí a bhfuil taithí acu i ngach limistéar.

Dobharcheantar an Fheabhail Ceardlann Cóitseála

Abhainn na Deirge Bonneagar Rochtana

Abhainn na Deanaide

Foscadh Iascaireachta do Dhaoine faoi Mhíchumas

Cónaidhm Iascaireachta Uladh

Cumann Pobail Iascaireachta Ard Sratha

Cumann Iascairí na Deanaide

Abhainn na Finne

Bonneagar Rochtana

Bruach Longfield Urraíocht do Chomórtas Áitiúil

Dobharcheantar Feabhail Slatiascaireacht do Chách

Dobharcheantar Feabhail

Abhainn na Ró

An Abhainn Bhán

Abhainn Dromraighe

Slatiascaireacht don Fholláine

Bonneagar Rochtana

Cumann Iascaireachta na Finne

Cumann Iascaireachta

Bhealach Féich agus Srath an Iúir

Club Slatiascaireachta Loch Feabhail

Grúpa Allamuigh

Dhobharcheantar Abhann Feabhail

Grúpa Allamuigh

Dhobharcheantar Abhann Feabhail

Slatiascaireacht na Ró Teo

Club Slatiascaireachta Carrickmore

Club Slatiascaireachta Chill Chaoil.

Slatiascairí na hÓmaí

Cur i bhFeidhm Straitéise Feabhsúcháin Iascaigh agus Slatiascaireachta

Seoladh go poiblí an Straitéis Feabhsúcháin Iascaigh agus Slatiascaireachta nua i mí Aibreáin 2024, le seoladh iomlán do Phlean Gníomhaíochta Slatiascaireachta do Fheabhail agus Cairlinn , Straitéis Feabhsúcháin Iascaigh agus Slatiascaireachta, agus Plean Gníomhaíochta Feabhsúcháin Iascaigh do Fheabhail agus Cairlinn . Tá na pleananna gníomhaíochta seo ina mbonn don phlean chur i bhfeidhm bliantúil maidir le feabhsúcháin iascaigh agus slatiascaireachta i rith 2024.

Tionscadal

Feabhsaithe Iascaigh

2024 in Review

Thionscadal Feabhsúcháin

Iascaigh

160+

Pointe Rochtana

3 imeacht lascaireachta ag rannpháirtíocht

breis agus 6,000 páirtithe leasmhara

150 tonna de mhataí bruscar

540 tonna de ghréislim spórúcháin (spawning gravel) curtha le leabaí abhann

23.8km

criosanna ripiriacha (Riparian Zones) cruthaithe

1.8km de bhearta Bog-Innealtóireachta (Soft Engineering) 450m² de ghreísilim ard agus tírim ath-mhúnlaithe ar ais isteach inár n-aibhneacha

173 réiteach dí-uisce scartha (ofﬂine drinking solutions) suiteáilte

TREES – Plandáil Crann ar mhaithe le Feabhsú Aibhneacha le Réitigh Comhshaoil

Rinne an Ghníomhaireacht meastóireacht ar Thionscadal TREES i rith 2024. Tá modhnuithe agus feabhsúcháin ar na suíomhanna tionscadail molta agus cuirfear i gcrích iad in 2025.

Aonad Bainistíochta Tionscadal Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna I gcaitheamh 2024, bhunaigh Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna Aonad Bainistíochta Tionscadal (PMU) nua chun éifeachtúlacht eagraíochtúil a fheabhsú trí sholáthar comhsheasmhach tionscadal, feabhas ar éifeachtúlacht agus ailíniú straitéiseach a chinntiú. Tá cleachtais bhainistíochta tionscadal láraithe ag an PMU, rud a chruthaigh cur chuige caighdeánaithe chun tionscadail a phleanáil, a chur i bhfeidhm agus a mhaoirsiú, leis an toradh d’úsáid níos fearr acmhainní, bainistíocht riosca agus rialú cáilíochta. Éascaíonn an PMU cumarsáid agus comhordú soiléir ar fud na Stiúrthóireachtaí uile, ag cinntiú go bhfuil tionscadail ag teacht le spriocanna na Gníomhaireachta agus go gcríochnaítear iad in am agus laistigh den bhuiséad. Trí chultúr freagrachta agus trédhearcachta a chothú, tá muinín na foirne feabhsaithe ag an PMU agus tacaíonn sé le solúbthacht eagraíochtúil chun freagairt do mhodhnuithe sa Phlean Gnó agus do dheiseanna nua atá ag teacht chun cinn. Ar an iomlán, tá acmhainn na Gníomhaireachta le tionscadail chasta a bhainistiú treisithe ag an PMU, rud a spreagann rath buan, nuálaíocht agus éifeachtúlacht.

Lóistín Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna

In 2024, d’éirigh le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna a háiseanna oifige a fheabhsú chun iad a ailíniú lena luachanna i leith freagrachta comhshaoil agus éifeachtúlachta oibríochta. Tá athchóiriú cuimsitheach oifig Chairlinn curtha i gcrích agus tá sí ag feidhmiú go hiomlán anois. Tá iarrachtaí cothabhála leanúnacha á ndéanamh chun a chinntiú go bhfanfaidh gach aon fhoirgneamh éifeachtach agus i gcomhréir le caighdeáin fuinnimh. Ina theannta sin, cuireadh painéil fótavoltach (PV) ar dhíon oifig na hOmaí, rud a mhéadaíonn ár n-éifeachtúlacht fuinnimh de réir ár bPlean Gníomhaíochta Aeráide chun laghdú a dhéanamh ar ár lorg carbóin.

Rialachas agus Cuntasacht

Bainistíocht Airgeadais agus Rialachas

Rinne an Ghníomhaireacht monatóireacht ghníomhach ar a cuid caiteachais i gcomparáid leis na buiséid cheadaithe agus chuir sí nuashonruithe rialta ar fáil dá Ranna Urraíochta. Tionóladh cruinnithe Rialachais agus Cuntasachta leis na Ranna Urraíochta go comhsheasmhach, mar aon le hidirghabháil laethúil, chun comhlíonadh leanúnach leis an gCód Cleachtais do Rialachas Comhlachtaí Stáit, an Comhaontú Maoirseachta (DECC), agus an Lámhleabhar Urraíochta (DAERA) a chinntiú. Chuir an cur chuige struchtúrtha seo le cumarsáid thrédhearcach agus le maoirseacht éifeachtach ar chleachtais airgeadais agus oibríochtúla.

Iniúchadh Inmheánach

Tá an fheidhm iniúchta inmheánaí ríthábhachtach do Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna, agus cothaíonn sí cuntasacht, trédhearcacht agus bainistíocht éifeachtach acmhainní. Is bunchloch í den chreat rialachais agus bainistíochta riosca ag an nGníomhaireacht, agus cuireann sí le héifeachtúlacht oibríochtúil, sláine airgeadais, agus tionscnaimh fheabhsúcháin leanúnacha. Trí dhearbhú neamhspleách agus oibiachtúil a thairiscint, tugann an t-iniúchadh inmheánach tacaíocht don Ghníomhaireacht ina misean maidir le caomhnú agus bainistiú na n-éiceachóras uisceacha, agus í ag cloí leis na caighdeáin is airde den ghairmiúlacht agus den ionracas. Sa bhliain 2024, ghnóthaigh an Ghníomhaireacht rátáil shásúil, rud a léiríonn éifeachtúlacht na bpróiseas iniúchta inmheánaí atá aici.

Oideachas faoin gComhshaol agus For-rochtain

Sa bhliain 2024, lean Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna ar aghaidh ag cur raon clár oideachais agus for-

rochtana ar fáil. Bhí sé mar aidhm ag na tionscnaimh seo cur le todhchaí níos inbhuanaithe do na dobharcheantair trasteorann an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn trí mheon freagrachta agus tuisceana a chothú i measc lucht féachana éagsúil.

Clár Ambasadóirí an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn

I rith 2024, d’eagraigh Clár Ambasadóirí an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn eispéireas tumthach ar oideachas comhshaoil thar sheachtain iomlán do níos mó ná 50 scoláire iarbhunscoile, ag plé le héiceolaíocht abhann agus chósta, iascaireacht agus gníomhaíochtaí faoin aer. Chothaigh an clár feasacht chomhshaoil, saoránacht agus scileanna ceannaireachta, ag cruthú tuisceana níos doimhne i measc na rannpháirtithe ar dhúshláin éiceolaíochta áitiúla, lena n-áirítear an t-athrú aeráide, sna dobharcheantair trasteorann.

Nuálaíocht thábhachtach in 2024 ab ea tabhairt isteach thionscnaimh ‘Bitesize Ambassadors’, a leathnaigh rannpháirtíocht thar na scoileanna trí shiúlóidí téamacha leathlae. Chuir na seisiúin seo stair, éiceolaíocht agus caomhnú le chéile, ag cur le nasc níos láidre idir daoine, leis an áit agus le maoirseacht chomhshaoil. D’éirigh leis an gcur chuige seo lucht féachana ilghlúine a spreagadh agus thug sé léargais luachmhara ar thírdhreacha áitiúla agus ar oidhreacht chultúrtha.

Ambasadóirí Bradán

D’fhan an Clár Ambasadóirí Bradán mar bhunchloch d’iarrachtaí oideachais chomhshaoil na Gníomhaireachta in 2024, ag spreagadh 325 dalta as ocht mbunscoil i dTuaisceart Éireann agus in Éirinn. Thug an tionscnamh idirghníomhach seo eolas praiticiúil ar éiceachórais abhann áitiúla, le fócas ar shaolré an bhradáin, caomhnú agus athchóiriú. Trí ghníomhaíochtaí ranga, tionscadail ghorlainne éisc agus turais allamuigh ar aibhneacha áitiúla, d’fhorbair daltaí tuiscint níos doimhne ar a dtimpeallacht nádúrtha.

Ceardlanna agus Imeachtaí For-rochtana

Taobh amuigh dár bpríomhchláir struchtúrtha, chuir an Ghníomhaireacht níos mó ná 30 ceardlann for-rochtana ar fáil do scoileanna agus do ghrúpaí pobail, agus bhain sí amach 1,100 rannpháirtí. Chuimsigh na seisiúin shaincheaptha seo ábhair ar nós éiceachórais mhuirí agus fionnuisce, caomhnaithe agus iascach inbhuanaithe. Ina theannta sin, trí rannpháirtíocht ar fud limistéir gabhála an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn le linn cuairteanna ar scoileanna, seisiúin ar bhruacha na habhann agus imeachtaí poiblí, neartaigh an Ghníomhaireacht a tionchar for-rochtana.

Clár Rannpháirtíochta

Uisce

D’éirigh leis an gClár Rannpháirtíochta Uisce 2024 os cionn 400 rannpháirtí a tharraingt isteach i ngníomhaíochtaí uiscebhunaithe ar fud cheantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Trí chomhpháirtíochtaí straitéiseacha le clubanna áitiúla agus soláthraithe príobháideacha, chuir an clár eispéiris chuimsitheacha, inrochtana agus freagracha ó thaobh an chomhshaoil ar fáil a spreag rannpháirtíocht an phobail.

I measc na mbuaicphointí bhí imeachtaí surfála oiriúnaithe ar Thrá Bheannáin do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas, seisiúin thosaigh clárchéaslóireachta agus surfála ag Cúil Dabhcha agus Creamhchoill, agus imeachtaí seoltóireachta cuimsitheacha ar an bhFeabhal. Chothaigh na tionscnaimh seo cuimsiú sóisialta, mhéadaigh siad feasacht ar shábháilteacht uisce agus chuir siad le gníomhaíocht gheilleagrach áitiúil, rud a léirigh tábhacht iarrachtaí comhoibritheacha turasóireachta agus fóillíochta.

Trodaithe Uisce

Cuireadh Clár Trodaithe Uisce 2024 i bhfeidhm go rathúil, rud a léirigh bliain eile d’fhorbairt shuntasach le scoileanna ar fud limistéir dobharcheantar an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Ag tógáil ar an rathúlacht agus ar na léargais a baineadh amach le blianta beaga anuas, lean an clár ag forbairt

agus thug sé taithí shaibhir, éifeachtach do gach rannpháirtí. Le trí bliana anuas, chothaigh sé muinín agus dílseacht i measc na scoileanna, ag leagan bonn láidir le haghaidh rannpháirtíochta leanúnaí.

Tá cáil bhuan an chláir tar éis é a bhunú mar phríomhimeacht i bhféilire na scoile, agus tá leibhéil chomhsheasmhacha rannpháirtíochta coinnithe thar na trí bliana anuas. Maireann Trodaithe Uisce mar chuid lárnach de straitéis rannpháirtíochta fhairsing Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna , agus is é an príomhchuspóir oideachas agus feasacht a mhúscailt i measc lucht deiridh Gen Z agus tús Gen Alpha. Cuireann sé tuiscint ar fhreagracht i leith a dtimpeallachta áitiúil chun cinn agus spreagann sé iarrachtaí caomhnaithe ar scála domhanda. Dearadh an clár chun dul i ngleic le saincheisteanna criticiúla amhail athrú aeráide, speicis ionracha, truailliú agus bithéagsúlacht, agus cuireann sé taithí foghlama praiticiúil ar fáil trí ghníomhaíochtaí uiscebhunaithe, turais allamuigh, cluichí oideachasúla agus eile. Ceanglaíonn an cur chuige idirghníomhach seo rannpháirtithe óga lena dtimpeallacht áitiúil go héifeachtach, rud a neartaíonn an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an gcomhshaoil a chaomhnú.

Forbairt Turasóireachta Muirí

Sa bhliain 2024, chuir Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna chun cinn a dréacht-Straitéis Turasóireachta Muirí, ag láidriú a tiomantais d’eispéiris turasóireachta mhuirí inbhuanaithe agus ar ardchaighdeán. I gcaitheamh na bliana, bhí rannpháirtíocht fhairsing le páirtithe leasmhara ar siúl, lena n-áirítear comhairliúcháin le húdaráis áitiúla agus le comhlachtaí turasóireachta. Díríonn an dréachtstraitéis ar rannpháirtíocht chuairteoirí a fheabhsú agus ar bhithéagsúlacht mhuirí a chosaint, ag cinntiú go mbíonn cur chuige cothrom ann idir caomhnú agus fóillíocht.

Creat Oidhreachta

Ag aithint thábhacht na hoidhreachta cultúrtha agus nádúrtha, rinne Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna dul chun cinn maidir le forbairt dréacht-Chreat Oidhreachta in 2024. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an tionscnamh seo scéalta stairiúla, caomhnú comhshaoil agus forbairt turasóireachta a chomhtháthú, ag cur le ceangal níos doimhne idir na pobail agus oidhreacht mhara shaibhir an réigiúin.

Inmharthanacht Fóillíochta Uiscebhunaithe ar an bhFeabhail

Rinneadh measúnú cuimsitheach in 2024 chun indéantacht fóillíochta uiscebhunaithe feadh an Fheabhail agus na gceantar cósta máguaird a mheas. D’aithin an taighde seo príomhrioscaí, lena n-áirítear measúnú láithreáin, imní chomhshaoil agus breithnithe sábháilteachta, chun cur le forbairt inbhuanaithe amach anseo.

Sa staidéar rinneadh athbhreithniú ar thuairiscí atá ann cheana, chuathas i dteagmháil le páirtithe leasmhara, agus rinneadh measúnuithe allamuigh chun anailís riosca-sochair a fhorbairt. Cuirfear na torthaí i gcrích in 2025 agus gheobhaidh siad áit i dtionscnaimh turasóireachta mara amach anseo, ag cinntiú dóibh fás fóillíochta atá sábháilte agus inbhuanaithe.

Tionscadail Comhpháirtíochta Seachtracha

Clár Comhpháirtíochta Tírdhreacha Bhinn Éabha agus na nÍsealchríoch Cósta (Bliain 4)

Leanfaimid orainn ag obair i gcomhar le comhpháirtithe réigiúnacha agus trasteorann chun forbairt na turasóireachta muirí a fheabhsú. Tá rannpháirtíocht leis an gClár Comhpháirtíochta Tírdhreacha Bhinn Éabha agus na nÍsealchríoch Cósta dírithe ar chosaint agus ar fheabhsú an chomhshaoil, chomh maith le tionscnaimh inbhuanaithe turasóireachta, agus tacaíocht á tabhairt do chaomhnú an chomhshaoil i dteannta le heispéiris cuairteoirí.

Rannpháirtíochtaí Páirtithe Leasmhara

Siompóisiam Idirnáisiúnta ar Rialachas Uisce Trasteorann, Comhoibríoch

I mí Mheán Fómhair 2024, d’óstáil Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna siompóisiam idirnáisiúnta dhá lá a bhí dírithe ar chomhoibriú agus ar rialachas trasteorann chun cosaint a dhéanamh ar uisce, córais uisceacha agus muirí. Chuir toscairí ó Thuaisceart Éireann, Éire, an Ríocht Aontaithe, Meiriceá Thuaidh agus an Eoraip léachtaí i láthair agus ghlac siad páirt i bplé ar an ngá atá le feasacht a mhéadú ar thábhacht bhainistíocht uiscí trasteorann i measc lucht déanta beartas agus leaspháirtithe, ag leagan béim ar idirnascthacht tíortha agus réigiún agus ar an ngá atá le réitigh chomhoibríocha a chabhródh le dul i ngleic le saincheisteanna a bhaineann le tionchair an athraithe aeráide, truailliú agus caillteanas bithéagsúlachta. Agus é seo á dhéanamh, chuir an ócáid ardán ar fáil chun cás-staidéir rathúla, cleachtais nuálacha agus dul chun cinn teicneolaíochta a roinnt a bhí éifeachtach i mbainistiú uisce trasteorann comhshaoil i réigiúin idirnáisiúnta éagsúla.

Thug an Siompóisiam torthaí dearfacha, lena n-áirítear comhaontú chun forbairt líonra comhoibríoch roinnte eolais a chur chun cinn, a chothóidh príomhchuspóirí forbartha inbhuanaithe, cosaint comhshaoil agus cinnteoireacht eolaíoch ar bhonn sonraí. Chomh maith leis sin, chuir sé deis ar fáil próifíl agus gníomhartha Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna a ardú maidir le comhoibriú trasteorann comhshaoil agus comhoibriú institiúideach a chur chun cinn. Tá an dara Siompóisiam sceidealta le reáchtáil sa bhliain 2026.

Aonach Slatiascaireachta an Tuaiscirt Thiar

Chomhoibrigh an Ghníomhaireacht go dlúth le Comhairle Cathrach agus Ceantair an tSratha Báin Dhoire chun Aonach Slatiascaireachta an Tuaiscirt Thiar a reáchtáil go rathúil i mí Aibreáin 2024. Reáchtáladh an ócáid i gCoimpléasc Spóirt Mhelvin sa tSrath Bán. Measadh ar an tinreamh go raibh timpeall 3,000 i láthair. Chuir an ócáid ar a chumas don Ghníomhaireacht a dualgas maidir le cur chun cinn cheantar an Fheabhaill agus Chairlinn chun críocha fóillíochta a chur i gcrích.

Imeachtaí Slatiascaireachta

Thug an Ghníomhaireacht tacaíocht do imeacht amháin iascaigh mara i gCeantar an Fheabhail le linn 2024. Reáchtáladh comórtas bliantúil oscailte ar an gcósta ag Club Slatiascaireachta Mara Loch Feabhail ar Bhanc Longfield ar chósta thoir Loch Feabhail i mí Mheán Fómhair 2024. D’fhreastail an Ghníomhaireacht freisin ar an Irish Fly Fair i mí na Samhna 2024 a mheall, de réir meastacháin, os cionn 6,000 rannpháirtí thar an dá lá. Chabhraigh an ócáid seo leis an nGníomhaireacht maidir lena freagracht maidir le cur chun cinn cheantair an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn chun críocha fóillíochta.

Fís do Loch Cairlinn

I gcaitheamh 2024, rinne an Ghníomhaireacht Lochanna dul chun cinn suntasach maidir le rannpháirtíocht níos doimhne le hionadaithe pobail agus údaráis áitiúla ar fud réigiún Chairlinn. Ba é ár gcuspóir fís chomhroinnte a fhorbairt agus sraith moltaí comhtháite a chomhchumadh a thacódh le haidhmeanna na bpáirtithe leasmhara agus treisiú ag an am céanna lenár dtiomantas ár láithreacht sa dobharcheantar a fheabhsú. Tá an chomhpháirtíocht seo tagtha chun buaice i bhFís Chomhtháite na Gníomhaireachta do Fhorbairt Réigiúnach Loch Cairlinn, bóthar treorach atá bunaithe ar chreatlaí straitéiseacha lena n-áirítear an Carlingford Vision ‘31 Gateway to the Cooley Peninsula 2020-2030.

Ceann de phríomhghnóthachtálacha an tionscnaimh seo ab ea an fhís chomhtháite a aistriú isteach i sraith de chomhpháirteanna tionscadail inbhraite arna ndearadh chun tacú le hobair leanúnach na Gníomhaireachta agus í a fheabhsú. Ní hamháin go dtacaíonn an chreatlach atá forbartha againn lenár gcuspóirí reachtúla agus oibríochta, ach soláthraíonn sí mapa bóthair soiléir agus gníomhach do thionscnaimh amach anseo freisin.

CLÁIR ARNA MAOINIÚ GO SEACHTRACH

Ba í 2024 an dara bliain dár dtionscadal AE-mhaoinithe STRAITS agus ba í freisin an bhliain a thosaigh dhá thionscadal nua AE-mhaoinithe go hoifigiúil: NorTrack agus DTOTrack. Tá lúcháir ar an nGníomhaireacht a bheith ina Príomhpháirtí ar na trí thionscadal seo.

Leis na trí thionscadal seo, tá an Ghníomhaireacht i suíomh uathúil mar chomhlacht atá ní hamháin rannpháirteach ach ina ceannaire ar chuibhreannais mhóra taighdeoirí thar roinnt clár maoinithe Eorpacha. In 2024, rinne foireann na Gníomhaireachta ionadaíocht ar son na heagraíochta san Eastóin, sa Spáinn agus san Ísiltír ag comhdhálacha agus ceardlanna. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht ag cur i bhfeidhm an eolais agus na taithí a fuarthas ó na tionscadail seo chun nuálaíocht agus feabhsú a dhéanamh ar réimsí oibre inár gcuid dobharcheantar.

Tionscadal STRAITS – Bonneagar Straitéiseach do Rianú Feabhsaithe Ainmhithe i bhFarraigí na hEorpa – €3.3m Arna Mhaoiniú ag an AE faoi chlár Horizon Europe (2023-2026).

Bronnadh an ceadúnas muirí chun an t-eagar a imscaradh mar chuid de Thionscadal STRAITS ar thaobh na hÉireann de Shruth na Maoile i mí Márta 2024, rud a chuir ar cumas na foirne an t-eagar iomlán a lonnú i mí Aibreáin 2024. Den chéad uair, d’éirigh leis an nGníomhaireacht eagar a imscaradh i Loch Cairlinn. Tharla sé seo ag an am céanna leis an séasúr clibeála salmainide is mó riamh ag an nGníomhaireacht, agus 199 brainlín bradáin agus breac mara clibeáilte agus scaoilte in Abhainn na Ró, Abhainn na Fochaine agus (den chéad uair) san Abhainn Bhán. Sa bhfómhar, rinne an Ghníomhaireacht éacht eile trí 20 eascann Eorpach a chlibeáil agus a scaoileadh go rathúil i gceantar abhann Chairlinn.

Tá an chéad bhailiú sonraí ó na haonaid go dtí seo spreagúil agus ag teacht le torthaí ó leaganacha roimhe seo den eagar SeaMonitor. Taifeadadh 4,869 braite san iomlán ón eagar, ní hamháin ó na trí speiceas ar chlibigh an Ghníomhaireacht iad (bradán, bric mhara agus eascanna) ach ó speicis a chlibigh taighdeoirí seachtracha freisin (m.sh., gobóga, siorcanna gréine agus tuinníní gorm-eiteach ón Danmhairg).

Tionscadal Líonra Rianaithe Atlantach Thoir Thuaidh (NorTrack) – €1.6m Arna Mhaoiniú ag an nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil Éireann mar chuid den Chlár Biodiversa (2024-2026).

Cuireadh tús oifigiúil leis an Tionscadal NorTrack ar an 1ú Eanáir 2024 agus beidh sé ar siúl go dtí an 31ú Nollaig 2026. Is é aidhm NorTrack monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar ghluaiseachtaí speiceas uisceacha atá riachtanach don Atlantach Thoir Thuaidh (NEA) trí bhonneagar comhoibríoch, d’fhonn ceisteanna a bhaineann leis na príomh-dhúshláin éiceolaíocha a réiteach.

Tá NorTrack á mhaoiniú ag Biodiversa+, an Chomhpháirtíocht Bitheagsúlachta Eorpach faoin nglao comhfhoilsithe taighde BiodivMon 2022-2023, agus á chomh-mhaoiniú ag an gCoimisiún Eorpach agus na heagraíochtaí maoinithe seo: Gníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil Éireann, Ciste Nuálaíochta na Danmhairge, Comhairle Taighde na hIorua, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Office Français de la Biodiversité, Oifig Beartais Eolaíochta na Beilge agus Gníomhaireacht Spáis Náisiúnta na Sualainne.

Tionscadal Cúpla Digiteach an Aigéin: Rianú Ainmhithe (DTOTrack) – €2.1m Arna mhaoiniú ag Institiúid Mhuirí na hÉireann mar chuid den Chomhpháirtíocht Gheilleagair Ghorm Inbhuanaithe (2024-2027).

Cuireadh tús oifigiúil leis an tionscadal DTOTrack ar an 27ú Bealtaine 2024 agus mairfidh sé go dtí an 27ú Bealtaine 2027. Is é aidhm DTOTrack ná gluaiseachtaí agus dáileadh shaol na mara i Muir an

Tuaiscirt a mhapáil agus an fhaisnéis sin a úsáid chun Cúpla Digiteach (DT) den limistéar a chruthú. Is féidir an DT a úsáid ansin le haghaidh cinnteoireachta níos eolaí ó thaobh éiceolaíochta de i réimse an gheilleagair ghil agus i bpleanáil spásúil mhuirí.

Tá acmhainneacht mhór ag Cúplaí Digiteacha (DTanna) don éiceolaíocht, go háirithe sa tréimhse dhomhanda dhigiteach seo, lena n-áirítear bunachair shonraí éagsúla éiceolaíochta agus an brú atá ann maidir le cinnteoireacht fhianaise-bhunaithe i gcaomhnú na bithéagsúlachta. Tá gné shuntasach amháin ar iarraidh ó na DTanna atá ann cheana féin, áfach, is é sin an chomhpháirt ‘gluaiseacht ainmhithe’. Tá sé mar aidhm ag DTOTrack an bhearna seo a líonadh trí chás-staidéir DT ar an Muir Thuaidh, agus sonraí rianaithe ainmhithe á n-úsáid.

Tá DTOTrack arna mhaoiniú ag an gcéad ghlao comhpháirteach ar an taighde ó Chomhpháirtíocht an Gheilleagair Ghoirm Inbhuanaithe, agus arna chomh-mhaoiniú ag an gCoimisiún Eorpach agus ag na heagraíochtaí maoinithe seo a leanas: Institiúid Mhuirí na hÉireann, Innovation Fund Denmark, Research Council of Norway, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Belgian Science Policy Office, Swedish National Space Agency, Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), iad á n-ionadú ag Project Management Jülich, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Aireacht Talmhaíochta, Dúlra agus Cáilíocht Bia na Ísiltíre, Aireacht Bonneagair agus Bainistíochta Uisce na hÍsiltíre, agus Comhairle Taighde na hÍsiltíre.

TUARASCÁIL LUACHA SAOTHAIR

Polasaí Luacha Saothair

Díríonn an Polasaí Luacha Saothair ar an luach saothair ar bhonn uile-eagraíochtúil agus is ceann de phríomhchomhpháirteanna na Straitéise Acmhainní Daonna é, atá ag tacú go hiomlán leis an straitéis ghnó iomlán. Is iad príomhfheidhmeanna an Pholasaí Luacha Saothair ná:

• Tacú le straitéis Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna trí chabhrú le gnó iomaíoch agus nuálaíoch a fhorbairt a mheallann, a choinníonn agus a spreagann fostaithe;

• Cur le baint amach cuspóirí straitéiseacha laistigh de fhulangacht riosca na Gníomhaireachta;

• Cur chun cinn / tacaíocht a thabhairt do thorthaí dearfacha sa chomhthéacs geilleagrach agus sóisialta ina n-oibríonn an Ghníomhaireacht; agus

• Cultúr eiticiúil agus saoránacht chorparáideach fhreagrach a chur chun cinn.

Fealsúnacht Luacha Saothair agus Príomhphrionsabail

Fealsúnacht Luacha Saothair

Is é fealsúnacht luacha saothair na Gníomhaireachta ná fostaithe a earcú, a spreagadh, a chúiteamh agus a choimeád a chreideann inár gcultúr agus inár luachanna agus a chleachtann iad. Déanaimid ár ndícheall fiontraíocht a chothú trí thimpeallacht oibre a chruthú a spreagann an fhoireann, ionas gur féidir le gach fostaí cur le straitéis, fís, spriocanna agus luachanna na Gníomhaireachta ar bhealach dearfach. Tá ár bhfealsúnacht dírithe ar phacáiste iomlán luacha saothair dár bhfostaithe a shuí ar leibhéal iomaíoch. Creidimid go bhfuil rath fadtéarmach na Gníomhaireachta ceangailte go díreach le caighdeán na bhfostaithe a earcaímid agus leis an timpeallacht oibre a chruthaímid. Dá bhrí sin, is gá dúinn iarracht chomhbheartaithe a dhéanamh chun leas ár bhfostaithe a ailíniú le leas ár bpáirtithe leasmhara eile.

Prionsabail Eochracha maidir le Luach Saothair

Tá Polasaí Luach Saothair na Gníomhaireachta bunaithe ar na prionsabail seo a leanas

• Tá an Polasaí Luach Saothair ailínithe leis an straitéis ghnó, leis na cuspóirí agus leis na luachanna foriomlána atá ag an nGníomhaireacht, gan dochar a dhéanamh do leasanna a páirtithe leasmhara;

• Tá an Polasaí, na nósanna imeachta agus na cleachtais Luacha Saothair ag teacht le bainistíocht riosca éifeachtach agus ag tacú léi;

• Bronntar luach saothair iomlán ar fhostaithe atá ar phá rolla (fostaithe a n-íoctar tuarastal leo), lena n-áirítear dreasachtaí socraithe, inathraithe, gearrthéarmacha agus fadtéarmacha de réir an phoist;

• Cuimsíonn an chomhpháirt sheasta (ráthaithe) den luach saothair buntuarastal atá ailínithe le rátaí Státsheirbhíse Thuaisceart Éireann (NICS); agus

• D’fhéadfadh liúntais eile a bheith sa luach saothair iomlán, de réir an phoist.

Réimsí Polasaí maidir le Luach Saothair

Scóip

Baineann an Polasaí maidir le Luach Saothair le gach fostaí buan den Ghníomhaireacht.

Struchtúr Luach Saothair

San áireamh sa struchtúr luach saothair don fhoireann ar thuarastal (lena n-áirítear Stiúrthóirí) sa Ghníomhaireacht tá na catagóirí / eilimintí seo a leanas:

• Pacáiste luach saothair ráthaithe (seasta agus ailínithe le gráid agus scálaí pá NICS);

• Luach saothair inathraithe (i bhfeidhm ar Chigirí agus Oifigigh Iascaigh amháin agus ag brath ar líon na n-uaireanta neamhshóisialta oibre a dhéantar); agus

• Liúntas glao (i bhfeidhm ar an bhfoireann atá ar glao maidir le heachtraí a bhaineann le truailliú comhshaoil agus freagairt ar iascaireacht neamhdhleathach, slándáil foirgnimh agus bonneagar TF seasta agus ailínithe le liúntas glao NICS).

Tá an luach saothair seasta ráthaithe agus íoctar é is cuma faoi fheidhmíocht na Gníomhaireachta, ach níl an luach saothair inathraithe ráthaithe agus tá sé ceangailte go díreach le taifead duine ar líon áirithe uaireanta neamhshóisialta i dtréimhse ama sonraithe.

Luach Saothair Foirne

Foireann Bhuan

Déantar ceapacháin foirne de réir Pholasaí Earcaíochta agus Roghnaithe na Gníomhaireachta. Éilíonn an Beartas seo go ndéanfaí ceapacháin ar an tuarascáil de réir tuilteannais bunaithe ar chomórtas cothrom agus oscailte. Féadtar cead a thabhairt do bhaill foirne dul ar scor roimh aois phinsin an stáit gan aon laghdú ar na sochair pinsin luatha, ag brath ar théarmaí a bpinsin. Tá eolas maidir le tréimhsí fógra le fáil i gconradh aonair an duine.

Leibhéil Íosta Pá

Braitheann leibhéil íosta pá ar an ngrád ina dtosaíonn an duine agus tá siad ailínithe le scálaí pá NICS (Tuaisceart Éireann) agus scálaí pá Iascaigh Intíre Éireann (Éire).

Dul Chun Cinn

Ag an gceapachán tosaigh, cuirtear baill foirne de ghnáth ar an bpointe is ísle den scála cuí don phost. Ina dhiaidh sin, tá dul chun cinn bliantúil de réir incriminte suas an scála go dtí go sroichtear uasmhéid an scála. Tarlaíonn sé seo go hiondúil i mí Lúnasa gach bliain do bhaill foirne i dTuaisceart Éireann, agus ar chomóradh an cheapacháin don fostaí i gcás ball foirne in Éirinn.

Pá Feidhmíochta

Níl aon phá feidhmíochta, scéim ghaolmhar ná a comhionann ar fáil do bhaill foirne.

Foireann Shealadach

Féadfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht foireann shealadach a cheapadh ar cheann de dhá bhealach.

• Trí earcaíocht oscailte, arb é an Polasaí Earcaíochta agus Roghnaithe atá i bhfeidhm ag an nGníomhaireacht a rialaíonn an cheapachán. Sa chás seo, braitheann leibhéil íosta pá ar an ngrád ina dtosaíonn an duine agus tá siad ailínithe le scálaí pá NICS (Tuaisceart Éireann) agus scálaí pá Iascaigh Intíre Éireann (Éire); agus

• Trí úsáid a bhaint as gníomhaireacht earcaíochta. Mar chomhlacht poiblí, tá sé de dhualgas ar an nGníomhaireacht gníomhaireacht earcaíochta ainmnithe a úsáid ó Phrótacal Úsáideora Oibrithe

Gníomhaireachta, ag brath ar ról an phoist. Beidh sé de chúram ar an ngníomhaireacht earcaíochta an folúntas a fhógairt, iarrthóirí oiriúnacha a aimsiú, CVanna a scagadh, bualadh le hiarrthóirí chun oiriúnacht a chinneadh, agus na CVanna is oiriúnaí a chur ar fáil do Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Is fostaithe den ghníomhaireacht earcaíochta na hoibrithe a fhaightear tríd an modh seo, agus dá bhrí sin is eatarthu atá an conradh.

Déanfar comórtas oscailte earcaíochta mar chéadrogha, ach is gníomhaireacht earcaíochta a roghnófaí i gcás riachtanais throma práinne.

Pacáiste Luaíochta Iomlán

Tá rochtain ag an bhfoireann uile ar an Scéim Pinsin Thuaidh/Theas (NSPS). Tá conarthaí le huaireanta éagsúla ag an POF (CEO), ag Stiúrthóirí agus ag poist bhuana foirne. Braitheann na huaireanta conraithe ar nádúr na hoibre atá ar siúl acu, agus ar aon socruithe speisialta a dhéantar le daoine aonair chun cothromaíocht mhaith idir saol agus obair a éascú. Tá rochtain ag gach ball foirne ar Shaoire Máithreachais, Shaoire Atharthachta agus Shaoire Uchtála. Tá obair sholúbtha ar fáil, ach déantar gach cás a mheas ina aonar i bhfianaise riachtanais an ghnó agus féadfar é a bhronnadh de réir rogha na Gníomhaireachta.

Beidh an fhoireann uile, ar a gceapadh, i dteideal 25 lá saoire, móide 12 lá saoire reachtúla agus poiblí mar a aithnítear ag an earnáil. Ríomhfar leithdháileadh saoire na foirne sealadaí ar bhonn pro rata don bhliain, más infheidhme.

Conarthaí Seirbhíse

Déantar ceapacháin Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna ar bhonn fiúntais agus trí chomórtas oscailte cothrom. Mura sonraítear a mhalairt, is ceapacháin neamhtheoranta atá ag na hoifigigh atá clúdaithe sa tuarascáil seo. Dá gcuirfí deireadh go luath, seachas i gcás mí-iompair, bheadh an duine i dteideal cúiteamh a fháil.

Tuarastal agus Teidlíochtaí Pinsin

Soláthraíonn na hailt seo a leanas sonraí faoi thuarastal agus leasanna pinsin na Bainistíochta Shinsearaí is airde sa Ghníomhaireacht.

Tuarastal, lena n-áirítear tuarastal agus teidlíochtaí pinsin Fhoireann Bhainistíochta Sinsearaí (Eolas Iniúchta)

STERLING

Bainistíocht Shinsearach / Stiúrthóirí Tuarastal Comhlán £000

Príomhoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin

*Stiúrthóir Forbartha

*Stiúrthóir

Eatramhach ar Sheirbhísí Corparáideacha

Stiúrthóir Eatramhach ar Uisceshaothrú agus Sliog-Iascaigh

Stiúrthóir

Eatramhach ar Chaomhnú agus Cosaint

Sochair Cineálacha Eile £000

Sochair Phinsin (go dtí an £1000 is gaire)

2024

Iomlán £000 Tuarastal Comhlán £000

2023

Sochair Cineálacha Eile £000 Sochair Phinsin (go

EURO 2024 2023

Bainistíocht

Shinsearach / Stiúrthóirí

Príomhoifigeach

Feidhmiúcháin

*Stiúrthóir Forbartha

*Stiúrthóir

Eatramhach ar Sheirbhísí Corparáideacha

*Ceannasaí Eolaíochta

Stiúrthóir

Eatramhach ar Uisceshaothrú agus Sliog-Iascaigh

Stiúrthóir

Eatramhach ar Chaomhnú agus Cosaint

Olltuarastal €000

Sochair Neamhdhíreacha €000

Sochair Phinsean (go dtí an €1,000 is gaire)

Iomlán €000 Olltuarastal €000

Sochair Neamhdhíreacha €000

Sochair Phinsean (go dtí an €1,000 is gaire)

€000

(ráta ó stg go euro an 31 Nollaig 2024: 1.20601 / 2023: 1.15068, meánráta 2024: 1.18117 / 2023: 1.14971).

*Áirítear leis an méid comhlán do 2024 thuas an pá aisghníomhach, a chuireann an Stiúrthóir agus an Ceannasaí Eolaíochta chuig banda tuarastail níos airde sna táblaí thuas.

Baineann an sochar cineálach leis an úsáid phríobháideach a bhaintear as feithicil de chuid na Gníomhaireachta.

STERLING 2024 2023

Banda tuarastail an Stiúrthóra is Airde Pá ag 31 Nollaig (£000) 70-75 65-70

% athrú i dtuarastal an Stiúrthóra is Airde Pá

Meánchomhlán Íocaíochta (gach ball foirne) £

Cóimheas idir Lárphointe Tuarastail an Stiúrthóra is Airde Pá agus an Meánthuarastal

Cóimheas idir Lárphointe Tuarastail an Stiúrthóra is Airde Pá agus

Tuarastal an 25ú Peircintíle

Cóimheas idir Lárphointe Tuarastail an Stiúrthóra is Airde Pá agus

Tuarastal an 75ú Peircintíle

Tuarastal an Stiúrthóra is Airde Íocaíochta ag 31 Nollaig (€000)**

% athrú i dtuarastal an Stiúrthóra is Airde Íocaíochta**

Cóimheas idir Lárphointe Tuarastail an Stiúrthóra is Airde Pá agus an Meánthuarastal

Cóimheas idir Lárphointe Tuarastail an Stiúrthóra is Airde Pá agus Tuarastal an 25ú Peircintíle

Cóimheas idir Lárphointe Tuarastail an Stiúrthóra is Airde Pá agus

Tuarastal an 75ú Peircintíle

*% athrú mar gheall ar dheontas pá 2023 a bheith curtha i bhfeidhm in 2024, áit ar ghnóthaigh formhór na foirne ar an meán ardú comhdhlúite 5%. Léireoidh an céatadán seo freisin na hathruithe i gcomhdhéanamh grád na ndaoine fostaithe, bliain i ndiaidh bliana.

**Is é tuarastal an Stiúrthóra is airde íocaíochta in euro an lárphointe den tuarastal steirling atá tiontaithe ag ráta deiridh don bhliain; dá bhrí sin, tá an t-athrú céatadánach in euro sa tábla saofa ag an ráta malairte atá i réim agus mar sin úsáidtear céatadánacht steirling sa tábla euro.

***Is é an meánphá agus an pá meánach in euro an meánphá agus an pá meánach i steirling atá tiontaithe ag an ráta meánach don bhliain; dá bhrí sin, tá an t-athrú céatadánach in euro sa tábla saofa ag an ráta malairte atá i réim agus mar sin úsáidtear céatadánacht steirling sa tábla euro.

Tuarastal

Cuimsíonn an tuarastal an tuarastal comhlán agus liúntas ‘ar glao’ do bheirt de na Stiúrthóirí. Ní íoctar aon luachann saothair eile leis na Stiúrthóirí.

Bónais

Ní íocann an Ghníomhaireacht bónais le haon bhall den Bhainistíocht Shinsearach nó le haon bhall foirne.

Sochair i gCineál

Clúdaíonn luach airgeadaíochta na sochar i gcineál aon sochar a sholáthraíonn an fostóir agus a gcaitear leis ag HM Revenue and Customs mar luach saothair incháinithe. Bhí Sochar i gCineál don Stiúrthóir Eatramhach Caomhnaithe agus Cosanta do 2024 ionann le £4k / €5k (2023: £4k / €4k), bainteach le húsáid feithicle de chuid na cuideachta.

Tuarastal Cothrom (Eolas Iniúchta)

Tá ar chomhlachtaí tuairiscithe an cóimheas idir tuarastal an Stiúrthóra is airde tuarastail san eagraíocht agus an meántuarastal d’fhostaithe na heagraíochta a nochtadh.

Ba é an tuarastal banda don Stiúrthóir is airde tuarastail sa Ghníomhaireacht sa bhliain airgeadais 2024 idir £70,000 agus £80,000 / idir €80,000 agus €90,000 (2023: idir £60,000 agus £70,000 / idir €70,000 agus €80,000). Ba é an cóimheas in 2024 ná 2:2 uair (ba é in 2023 ná 2:2 uair). Ba é an t-ioncam meánach d’fhostaithe ná £31,352 / €37,032 in 2024 (in 2023 ba é £29,859 / €34,329).

Ní bhfuair aon fhostaí ioncam níos airde ná an Stiúrthóir ba mhó pá in aon bhliain acu.

Ba é an raon tuarastail a bhí ann ná: 2024 £24,225 go £71,353 / €29,216 go €86,052 (2023 £23,071 go £67,955 / €26,547 go €78,194).

Áirítear an tuarastal comhlán ar an luach saothair iomlán. Tá na háirimh seo bunaithe ar Threoir do Chomhlachtaí Cur Chun Feidhme Thuaidh/Theas 2024 agus ríomhtar iad bunaithe ar an ioncam bliantúlaithe coibhéiseach le luach saothair fhostaithe lánaimseartha uile amhail ag an dáta tuairiscithe.

Sochair Phinsean (Eolas Iniúchta)

Teidlíochtaí Pinsean

Bainisteoir Sinsearach

Príomhfheidhmeannach

STEIRLING

Stiúrthóir

Stiúrthóir Forbartha

Eatramhach ar Sheirbhísí Corparáideacha

Ceann na hEolaíochta

Stiúrthóir Eatramhach ar Uisceshaothrú agus Sliog-Iascaigh

Stiúrthóir Eatramhach ar Chaomhnú agus Cosaint

Pinsean carntha ag aois pinsean amhail ar 31/12/2023 agus an tsuim bhainteach i gcnapshuim £000 (athshonraithe*)

Pinsean carntha ag aois phinsean mar atá ar 31/12/2024 agus an tsuim bhainteach i gcnapshuim £000

Fíormhéadú sa phinsean agus sa tsuim bhainteach i gcnapshuim ag aois phinsin £000

ag 31/12/2023 (athshonraithe*) €000

CETV ag 31/12/2024 €000

Fíormhéadú In CETV €000

An tábla thuas arna sholáthar ag achtúire neamhspleách an NSPS, XPS Pensions Consulting Limited.

*Amhail an 31ú Nollaig 2023, athríomhadh sochair áirithe comhaltaí chun na hathruithe a ordaíodh faoin mbreithiúnas McCloud a léiriú. Ciallaíonn sé seo, don Tréimhse Leigheasta, ón 1ú Aibreán 2015 go dtí an 31ú Márta 2022, gur coigeartaíodh sochair chomhaltaí atá buailte faoi na scéimeanna Pá Deiridh agus Alpha chun iad a thaispeáint ar bhonn Pá Deiridh. Déantar é seo chun a chinntiú go léirítear na sochair go cruinn agus go gcomhlíonann siad na ceanglais dhlí is déanaí.

Níl na Luachanna Coibhéiseacha Aistrithe Airgid (‘CETVs’) ráthaithe agus níl siad ach ar mahithe le críocha léiritheacha. Ríomhadh na CETVs bunaithe ar shochair pinsin measta réamh-mheasta amhail an 31ú Nollaig 2023 agus an 31ú Nollaig 2024.

Pinsin carntha ag aois pinsin ar an 31/12/2023 agus an tsuim bhainteach i gcnapshuim €000 (athraithe*)

Pinsin carntha ag aois pinsin ar an 31/12/2024 agus an tsuim bhainteach i gcnapshuim

€000

Fíormhéadú ar an bpinsin agus ar an tsuim bhainteach i gcnapshuim ag aois pinsin

€000**

CETV ag 31/12/2023 (athshonraithe*) €000

CETV ag 31/12/2024 €000

Fíormhéadú In

Bainisteoir Sinsearach

Príomhfheidhmeannach

Stiúrthóir Forbartha

EURO

Stiúrthóir Eatramhach ar Sheirbhísí Corparáideacha

Ceann na hEolaíochta

Cnapshuim *60-65 *35-40 5-10 *20-25

Stiúrthóir Eatramhach ar Uisceshaothrú agus Sliog-Iascaigh

Stiúrthóir Eatramhach ar Chaomhnú agus Cosaint

**Tá figiúirí Euro saofa de bharr difríochta i dtiontú rátaí malairte idir figiúirí dheireadh na bliana an 31ú Nollaig 2023 agus tiontú rátaí malairte ar fhigiúirí dheireadh na bliana an 31ú Nollaig 2024.

Pinsean carntha ag aois phinsin ar an 31 Nollaig 2024 agus an tsuim chomhlánaithe ghaolmhar

Is é an pinsean carntha ag aois phinsin ar an 31 Nollaig 2024 agus an tsuim chomhlánaithe ghaolmhar luach an phinsin bhliantúil agus na suime comhlánaithe a bhfuil an duine i dteideal di ar scor, bunaithe ar sheirbhís go dtí an dáta sin.

Luachanna Aistrithe Comhionanna Airgid (CETV)

Is é CETV an luach caipitlithe measta go haictriúil ar na sochair scéime pinsin atá carntha ag comhalta ag pointe ar leith ama. Is iad na sochair a mheastar ná na sochair carntha ag na comhaltaí agus aon phinsean coinníollach do chéile is iníoctha ón scéim. Is íocaíocht é CETV (Luach Aistrithe Comhionann) a dhéanann scéim pinsin nó socrú chun tairbhí pinsin a dhaingniú i scéim pinsin eile, nó socrú eile, nuair a fhágann ball scéim agus nuair a roghnaíonn sé/sí na tairbhí carntha ina/sean-scéim a aistriú. Baineann na figiúirí pinsin a thaispeántar leis na tairbhí atá carntha ag an duine mar thoradh ar a bhallraíocht iomlán sa scéim pinsin, ní hamháin ar an tseirbhís i ról sinsearach a mbaineann nochtadh leis. Cuimsíonn na figiúirí CETV (Luach Aistrithe Comhionann) luach aon tairbhí pinsin i scéim nó socrú eile a d’aistrigh an duine chuig socruithe pinsin na Gníomhaireachta. Cuimsíonn siad freisin aon tairbhí pinsin breise a carnadh don bhall de bharr blianta breise seirbhíse pinsin a bheith ceannaithe ag an mball sa scéim ar a chostas féin. Ríomhtar CETVanna de réir Rialacháin na Scéimeanna Pinsin Ceirde (Luachanna Aistrithe) (Leasú) 2008 agus ní chuireann siad san áireamh aon tairbhí iarbhír nó ionchasacha a d’fhéadfadh teacht as Cáin Liúntas Saoil a bheadh dlite, b’fhéidir, nuair a bhaintear tairbhí pinsin.

Méadar Fíorinbheartaithe i CETV

Léiríonn sé seo an méadú i CETV (Luach Aistrithe Comhionann) atá maoinithe go héifeachtach ag an bhfostóir. Ní áirítear leis an méadú ar phinsean carntha mar gheall ar bhoilsciú, na ranníocaíochtaí a d’íoc an fostaí (lena n-áirítear luach aon sochar a aistríodh ó scéim nó socrú pinsin eile), agus úsáidtear tosca coitianta luachála margaidh do thús agus deireadh na tréimhse.

Luach sochar pinsin carntha

Déantar luach na sochar pinsin carntha le linn na bliana a ríomh mar an méadú fíorúil ar an bpinsean iolraithe faoi 20, móide an fíormhéadú ar aon chnapshuim, lúide na ranníocaíochtaí a d’íoc an duine aonair. Ní chuimsítear sna fíormhéaduithe méaduithe de bharr bhoilscithe ná aon mhéadú nó laghdú de bharr aistrithe ceart pinsin.

Socruithe Pinsin

Is baill den NSPS iad fostaithe Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Bunaíodh an NSPS ag na Comhlachtaí Feidhmiúcháin Thuaidh/Theas agus Fáilte Ireland Teo le héifeacht ón 29 Aibreán 2005. Is scéim sochair shainithe pinsin í a mhaoinítear go bliantúil ar bhonn ‘íoc de réir mar a théann tú’ ón gcistí a sholáthraíonn Státchistí na RA agus na Éireann. Soláthraíonn DAERA sa Tuaisceart agus DECC sa Deisceart maoiniú don Ghníomhaireacht. Riarann ag riarthóir seachtrach an scéim.

Tá roinnt rannán sa NSPS ina bhfuil struchtúir sochar éagsúil.

Is socrú pinsin deiridh tuarastail é an Rannán Croí Deiridh Tuarastail le sochair atá samhlaithe de réir an rannáin Chlasaicigh den Phríomhscéim Pinsin Státseirbhíse i dTuaisceart Éireann. Soláthraíonn an scéim pinsin (ochtú cuid in aghaidh na bliana seirbhíse), aisce nó cnapshuim (trí ochtú cuid in aghaidh na bliana seirbhíse), agus pinsin do chéile agus do leanaí. Is é 60ú breithlá an bhaill an Ghnáth-Aois Scoir. Méadaítear pinsin in íocaíocht (agus ar atráth) de réir Boilscithe Ghinearálta Praghsanna.

Is socrú pinsin Meánthuarastal Gairme Athluacháilte (CARE) é an Rannán Croí Alpha, le sochair samhlaithe de réir an Rannáin Alpha den Phríomhscéim Pinsin Státseirbhíse i dTuaisceart Éireann. Soláthraíonn an scéim pinsean bunaithe ar chéatadán (2.32%) den phá incháilithe do gach bliain de bhallraíocht ghníomhach (méadaítear an pinsean ag tús gach bliana den scéim de réir boilscithe ghinearálta praghsanna), agus pinsin do chéile agus do leanaí. Is é an aois scoir ghnáthúil ná aois phinsin Stáit an bhaill sa dhlínse ábhartha. Sa Ríocht Aontaithe, is é an aois phinsin Stáit faoi láthair ná 66. Tá Rialtas na Ríochta Aontaithe ag pleanáil méaduithe breise, a ardóidh an aois phinsin Stáit ó 66 go 67 idir 2026 agus 2028, agus ó 67 go 68 idir 2044 agus 2046.

In Éirinn, is é an aois phinsin Stáit faoi láthair ná 66. Bhí sé beartaithe aois a ardú go 67 sa bhliain 2021 agus go 68 i 2028, ach cuireadh ar ceal an fhoráil reachtach a d’fhoráil na méaduithe seo. Ós rud é go bhfuil aois ghnáthphinsin do shochair Alpha (CARE) nasctha leis an aois phinsin Stáit Theas, tá an t-athrú seo ag dul i bhfeidhm ar an am a bhfuil baill Alpha Theas i dteideal sochair na Scéime a fháil.

Méadaíonn pinsin atá á n-íoc (agus ar atráth) de réir boilscithe ghinearálta praghsanna.

Tá sochair ag formhór na mball sa rannán Croí sa dá rannán, is iad sin an t-Íocaíocht Deiridh agus Alpha, agus i bhformhór na gcásanna, beidh baill nua a chuaigh isteach sa Scéim i ndiaidh 1 Aibreán 2015 ina mbaill de rannán Croí Alpha.

Rinne achtúire neamhspleách cáilithe (XPS Pensions Consulting Ltd) an meastachán a úsáideadh le haghaidh nochtuithe FRS 102 ag 31 Nollaig 2024. Ullmhaíodh torthaí na bliana seo trí mheasúnú iomlán a dhéanamh ar dhliteanais na Scéime, agus coinníollacha an mhargaidh agus sonraí na scéime ar 31 Nollaig 2024 á n-ionchorprú.

Luach saothair Chomhaltaí an Bhoird lena n-áirítear costais árachais shóisialaigh (Eolas Iniúchta)

Níl tuarastail Chomhaltaí an Bhoird inphinsin.

Comhaltaí an Bhoird

An tOllamh Frances Lucy*

Dr Declan Little*

An tUasal Terry McWilliams**

*Baineann an ‘Prionsabal Duine Amháin, Tuarastal Amháin’ leo siúd atá faoi théarmaí na Litreach chuig Pearsanra E109/247/74 dáta 17 Deireadh Fómhair 2011 a d’eisigh an Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí, an Plean Seachadta Náisiúnta agus Athchóirithe de chuid Rialtas na hÉireann. Ciallaíonn sé seo nach bhfaigheann an lucht pearsanra sin táillí as a gcomhaltas ar Bhoird.

**Ball neamhghníomhach.

Ba é caiteachas Chomhaltaí an Bhoird in 2024 ná £3,287/€3,883 (2023: £4,093/€4,706).

Bandaí Tuarastail do gach Fostaí

Líon na bhfostaithe a raibh a luachanna saothair i gcaitheamh an dá mhí dhéag suas go dtí 31 Nollaig 2024 (2023) laistigh de na bandaí seo a leanas:

Bandaí Tuarastail (£)

na Lochanna Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2024

AGUISÍN 1

TORTHAÍ I GCOINNE SPRIOCANNA

CUSPÓIRÍ STRAITÉISEACHA 2024

AGUISÍN 1 – TORTHAÍ I

gCOINNE SPRIOCANNA –CUSPÓIRÍ STRAITÉISEACHA 2024

Is í 2024 an dara bliain den Phlean Corparáideach 2023-25. Forbraíodh an Plean Corparáideach agus an Plean Gnó araon chun torthaí a bhaint amach mar a sainaithníodh i dTreoir Straitéiseach Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna don deich mbliana 2020-2030. Tá na príomhthosaíochtaí agus na cuspóirí leagtha amach sna táblaí seo a leanas. Leanfar leis na tosaíochtaí seo chun croí-riachtanais chur i bhfeidhm shainchúram reachtúil na Gníomhaireachta a chomhlíonadh, agus chun tacú leis na gníomhaíochtaí eacnamaíocha agus sóisialta atá curtha faoina cúram.

Is iad na Torthaí Tosaíochta Corparáideacha (CPO) don Phlean Gnó 2024 na cinn seo a leanas:

CP01 Inbhuanaitheacht agus Athrú Aeráide

Tá sé thar a bheith tábhachtach go leanfaimid ar aghaidh ag forbairt straitéisí nuálacha a chuireann solúbthacht eagraíochtúil agus réitigh inbhuanaithe do bhainistiú iascach ar fáil. Déanfaidh an Plean seo forbairt inbhuanaithe ar ghníomhaíochtaí áineasa a bheidh ag teacht leis an timpeallacht nádúrtha agus a chuirfidh san áireamh go hiomlán riachtanais páirtithe eile sa mhuir agus sa bhfionnuisce.

Tá athrú aeráide ar cheann de na príomhbhagairtí domhanda atá romhainn mar shochaí. Leanfaidh Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna le cur chuige inbhuanaithe i leith dul i ngleic le hathrú aeráide, agus glacfaidh sí le cur chuige faoi stiúir inbhuanaitheachta i ngach ceann dár ngníomhaíochtaí.

CP02 Cultúr Feidhmíochta Ardchaighdeáin

Cuirfidh forbairt cultúir feidhmíochta ardchaighdeáin i measc ár bhfórsa saothair ar ár gcumas gníomhartha uaillmhianacha an Phlean Chorparáideach seo a chur i gcrích go héifeachtach. Beidh forbairt leanúnach ár bhfórsa saothair agus an tacaíocht is gá dó sin ar cheann de na príomhchuspóirí.

CP03 Eolas á threorú ag Eolaíocht

Tá ár n-idirghníomhú le páirtithe leasmhara agus ár ngnáthoibríochtaí laethúla faoi threoir ag sonraí eolaíochta. Tá gá ríthábhachtach ann le próiseas cinnteoireachta atá arna dtacú le sonraí eolaíochta dár ngnó mar eagraíocht. Cuireann an Roinn Eolaíochta faisnéis ar fáil dúinn, rud a chuireann ar ár gcumas tuiscint shoiléir a fháil ar bhagairtí atá ann agus atá ag teacht chun cinn, ionas gur féidir linn oiriúnú agus freagairt do thimpeallacht atá ag athrú go tapa agus cur chuige inmharthana a chinntiú maidir le bainistiú iascach.

CP04 Glacadh le Nuálaíocht

Beidh ról lárnach ag nuálaíocht i dtiomáint éifeachtúlachtaí ar fud Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna agus cuirfidh sé ar ár gcumas ár gcáil a bhunú mar eagraíocht bhainistíochta iascach atá tiomanta do cheannaireacht trí nuálaíocht agus sármhaitheas eolaíoch.

CP05 Forfheidhmiú agus Oideachas

Beidh ár ngníomhaíochtaí forfheidhmithe á gcur i gcrích i gcónaí de réir na reachtaíochta. Creideann Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna go mbeidh laghdú ar imeachtaí forfheidhmithe de dhíth má mhéadaítear tionscnaimh oideachais in éineacht le gach páirtí leasmhar. Is cuspóir againn teagmháil a dhéanamh agus tuilleadh oideachais a chur ar ár lucht féachana maidir leis an tábhacht a bhaineann le bheith ag cloí le rialacháin agus maidir leis an bhfáth go bhfuil siad i bhfeidhm a thuiscint níos fearr.

CP06 Rannpháirtíocht Fhiúntach

Is tosaíocht í rannpháirtíocht shoiléir, ghonta le gach páirtí leasmhar de chuid Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna Tá sé bunriachtanach go dtuigfear ár ról níos fearr, chun a chinntiú go leanfaimid orainn ag comhlíonadh príomhróil maidir le dul i ngleic le hathrú aeráide agus maidir le bheith ag ag cosaint agus ag caomhnú ár ngabhálacha go héifeachtach.

Torthaí Tosaíochtaí Corparáideacha

Cuspóir Gnó Príomhghníomhaíochtaí Spriocanna Seachadta

CP02 Acmhainn agus cumas eagraíochtúil a fhorbairt.

Athbhreithniú ar struchtúir eagraíochtúla.

CP02 Feabhsú ar bhainistíocht tionscadal agus clár.

Cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise um Bhainistiú Acmhainní Daonna.

Dréacht-Théarmaí Tagartha a chur chun cinn do léirmheas eagraíochtúil i gCeathrú 4 (Q4).

Forbairt plean gníomhaíochta seachadta don R4 (Q4).

Córas próiseas agus prionsabal a bhunú chun tionscadail agus cláir a bhainistiú agus a sheachadadh.

CP02

Feabhsú ar fhoirgnimh agus ar bhainistíocht sócmhainní tógtha.

Tabhair faoi agus spreag an claochló digiteach, ag cur chun cinn cultúr forbartha leanúnach.

Lóistín agus flít cuí a chur ar fáil.

Córas bainistíochta tionscadal cuí a neadú ar fud gach Stiúrthóireachta chun comhoibriú, monatóireacht agus seachadadh tionscadal éifeachtach a chinntiú sa R1 (Q1).

Bord nua tionscadal straitéiseach bunaithe sa R1 (Q1).

Flít bainistithe.

Baint lóistín sealadach.

Lean de chur i bhfeidhm an chlaochlaithe dhigitigh chun tacú le huaillmhianta Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna .

Bunaigh córas bainistíochta sonraí agus cuir i bhfeidhm ar gach sonraí de chuid na Gníomhaireachta.

Cuir córais bhainistíochta thiomáinte ag próisis i bhfeidhm faoi R4 (Q4).

Tosaigh agus críochnaigh dearadh an chórais faoi R2 (Q2).

Athbhreithníodh agus ailíníodh próisis agus nósanna imeachta bainistíochta sonraí leis an gcóras nua faoi R4 (Q4).

Torthaí Seachadta

Eagraíocht le struchtúr éifeachtúil agus dóthain acmhainní chun a sainordú reachtach a chur i gcrích go héifeachtach.

Fórsa saothair oilte atá in ann cuspóirí an Treo Straitéisigh a bhaint amach.

Feidhm Seachadta Nuashonrú

Oifig an Phríomhoifigigh

Feidhmiúcháin

Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

Páirtchurtha i gcrích. DréachtThéarmaí Tagartha forbartha. Pléifear an mheicníocht chun dul chun cinn leis na Ranna Urraíochta agus leis an NSMC in 2025.

Plean Gníomhaíochta Seachadta curtha i gcrích.

Córas bainistíochta tionscadal éifeachtach a fheabhsaíonn soiléireacht, cuntasacht, comhoibriú, agus rath athfhillteach.

Oifig an Phríomhoifigigh Feidhmiúcháin

Grúpa Oibre um Bhainistíocht agus Monatóireacht ar Chláir Straitéiseacha bunaithe.

Nósanna imeachta bainistíochta tionscadal forbartha agus curtha i bhfeidhm.

Sócmhainní cuí atá inbhuanaithe ó thaobh na timpeallachta de.

Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

Críochnaithe. De réir beartais, ceannaíodh 3 fheithicil in 2024.

Baineadh an chóiríocht shealadach.

Eagraíocht phoiblí éifeachtach, arna tiomáint ag próisis, a chuireann ar chumas bainistíocht éifeachtach agus éifeachtúil acmhainní.

Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

Críochnaithe. Leanadh ar aghaidh le cur i bhfeidhm an chlaochlaithe dhigitigh i rith na bliana.

Tá córas bainistíochta agus comhroinnte sonraí i bhfeidhm do Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna , ina gcoinnítear sonraí na Gníomhaireachta i bhformáid inaistrithe, trédhearcach agus inúsáidte.

Eolaíocht

Cuid den obair curtha i gcrích. Tosaíodh ar dhearadh an chórais nua. Athbhreithníodh próisis agus nósanna imeachta bainistíochta sonraí don rannóg Eolaíochta.

Torthaí Tosaíochtaí Corparáideacha

Cuspóir Gnó Príomhghníomhaíochtaí Spriocanna Seachadta

CP02 Sláinte, Sábháilteacht agus Folláine.

Lean le athbhreithniú agus le nuashonrú ar an gcóras Sláinte, Sábháilteachta agus Folláine.

CP05

CP04

Seachadadh rathúil ár gcuid feidhmeanna forfheidhmithe agus cosanta.

Cuir an Plean Forfheidhmithe, Cosc agus Cosanta i bhfeidhm.

Beartais agus clár oiliúna leasaithe agus nuashonraithe ceadaithe ag an nGrúpa Bainistíochta Sábháilteachta sa Dara Ráithe (Q2).

CP01

CP03

Bainistíocht inbhuanaithe ar Iascach Oisrí Dúchais Loch Feabhail.

Leanadh le mheastóireacht agus le scrúdú dlíthiúil ar an Athbhreithniú Reachtaíochta.

Athbhreithniú ar dhul chun cinn maidir le réamhullmhúchán do Cheadúnú Uisceshaothraithe.

Bunaigh Plean um Bailiú Sonraí, Monatóireacht agus Measúnú Éiceachórais.

Plean Cosanta bliantúil bunaithe ar fhianaise sa Chéad Ráithe (Q1).

Torthaí forfheidhmithe agus cosanta tuairiscithe gach ráithe.

Nuashonrú ón nGrúpa Athbhreithnithe Dlí sa Dara Ráithe (Q2) agus sa Cheathrú Ráithe (Q4).

Forbairt páipéir roghanna do cheadúnú uisceshaothraithe, le conairí seachadta ionchasacha léarscáilithe i gC3.

Plean forbartha agus curtha i bhfeidhm i gC1.

Bailiú sonraí fardail Iascaigh Oisrí Dúchais Loch Feabhail.

Sonraí gabhálacha an tséasúir roimhe don Iascach Oisrí Dúchais Loch Feabhail ar fáil faoi gC3.

Torthaí Seachadta

Tá córas láidir bainistíochta Sláinte, Sábháilteachta agus Folláine, mar aon le clár oiliúna, neadaithe go dlúth i gcultúr na Gníomhaireachta.

Tá cur chuige coisctheach maidir le Sláinte, Sábháilteacht agus Folláine glactha ag an nGníomhaireacht.

Cur chuige infheicthe, dírithe ar an bpobal chun feabhas a chur ar an seachadadh forfheidhmithe.

Fianaise ardchaighdeáin, bainistithe go slán, ar fáil chun tacú le feidhmeanna reachtúla forfheidhmithe.

Cuireadh reachtaíocht chuí chun cinn chun feidhmeanna reachtúla, rialála, tuairiscithe agus forfheidhmithe a chomhlíonadh.

Tá córas atá oiriúnach don fheidhm ag an nGníomhaireacht chun ceadúnú uisceshaothraithe a chur i bhfeidhm.

Feidhm Seachadta Nuashonrú

Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

Críochnaithe. Leanadh le hathbhreithniú agus le nuashonrú ar na bearta agus ar na próisis i gcaitheamh na bliana.

Caomhnú agus Cosaint

Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

Críochnaithe. Sheachaid criúnna an plean cosanta agus forfheidhmithe bliantúil go rathúil i rith na bliana.

Torthaí forfheidhmithe agus cosanta tuairiscithe gach ráithe.

Críochnaithe. Nuashonruithe curtha ar fáil i rith na bliana.

Uisceshaothrú agus Sliogiascach

Ráthaítear sonraí eolaíocha ar ardchaighdeán tríd an modheolaíocht dhian a úsáidtear chun bainistíocht inbhuanaithe agus idirghabhálacha caomhnaithe i stoc oisrí dúchais Loch Feabhail a threorú.

Comórtas idirbhliaintúil ar an méid agus ar luach gabhálacha oisrí i Loch Feabhail.

Eolaíocht

Cuid den obair curtha i gcrích. Lean an Grúpa Oibre Oisrí ag cur chun cinn na riachtanas reachtaíochta d’uisceshaothrú agus do shliog-iascach i rith na bliana. Leanfaidh an próiseas seo ar aghaidh isteach i 2025.

Críochnaithe. Forbraíodh agus cuireadh plean suirbhé i bhfeidhm i rith na bliana.

Uisceshaothrú agus Sliogiascach

Bunachar sonraí gabhálacha 2023/24 críochnaithe.

Torthaí Tosaíochtaí Corparáideacha

CP01

CP03

CP06

Cuspóir Gnó Príomhghníomhaíochtaí Spriocanna Seachadta

Tionscadail feabhsúcháin iascaigh curtha i gcrích go rathúil.

Bearta caomhnaithe bunaithe ar an dúlra a uasmhéadaíonn táirgeadh iascaigh á seachadadh.

Clár bainte bacainní a fhorbairt agus a chur i bhfeidhm.

Tionscadail mhóra feabhsúcháin sa sruth agus ar bhruacha abhann á seachadadh.

Dearadh an tionscadail agus modheolaíocht bainte críochnaithe sa dara ráithe.

Oibreacha athshlánaithe críochnaithe in R3/4.

Measúnú a dhéanamh ar an Tionscadal TREES.

CP01 Leanfaidh sé le forbairt iascaireachta áineasa inbhuanaithe i ngabhálacha Feabhail agus Chairlinn.

Gníomhartha Plean

Oibre Bhliain 1 de Straitéis agus Plean Cur Chun Feidhme um Fheabhsú Iascaigh agus Slatiascaireachta seachadta.

Measúnú neamhspleách chun tionchar na suiteálacha bunaithe TREES a mheas.

Dréachtaíodh an Plean Cur Chun Feidhme Bliantúil sa chéad ráithe.

Gníomhartha Plean Oibre curtha i gcrích faoin tríú ráithe.

Tuarascáil Mheasúnachta curtha isteach faoi dheireadh an cheathrú ráithe.

CP03

CP04

Seachadadh clár teileiméadrachta fuaimiúla.

Seachadadh Thionscadal STRAITS Horizon 2030 Bliain 2.

Cuir chun cinn forbairt an ‘All Island Marine Tracking Programme’.

Leathnú an chláir teileiméadrachta le Loch Cairlinn agus clibeáil in aibhneacha Éireannacha a chur san áireamh.

Ceadúnais a fháil faoin Údarás Rialála Táirgí Sláinte (HPRA).

Bunaigh foireann chomhpháirtíochta il-ghníomhaireachta agus dréachtaigh plean seachadta an chláir don Dara Ráithe (Q2).

Torthaí Seachadta

Cur chuige comhoibríoch le páirtithe leasmhara chun aibhneacha a chosaint ar thruailliú féideartha, cáilíocht uisce agus gnáthóga feabhsaithe do speicis spriocdhírithe tosaíochta.

Conairí inimirce feabhsaithe do speicis spriocdhírithe, bunaithe ar shonraí eolaíochta agus innealtóireachta láidre.

Feidhm Seachadta Nuashonrú

Uisceshaothrú agus Sliogiascach

Críochnaithe. Tionscadail Feabhsúcháin Iascaigh curtha i gcrích go rathúil i gcaitheamh 2024.

Uisceshaothrú agus Sliogiascach

Sonraí intomhaiste a chuirfidh treoir d’fhorbairt an tionscadail amach anseo.

Cur chuige inbhuanaithe i leith Feabhsúchán Iascaigh agus Saltiascaireachta bainte amach trí acmhainn a uasmhéadú, cumas a mhéadú agus seachadadh aschur ar ardchaighdeán trí chómhpháirtíochtaí agus cumarsáid dhearfach.

Eolaíocht

Córas monatóireachta ilspeiceas comhtháite le líonraí mara eile agus é tacaithe ag comhoibriú idirnáisiúnta.

Uisceshaothrú agus Sliogiascach

Cuid den obair curtha i gcrích. Dearadh agus modheolaíocht an chláir bainte bacainní críochnaithe. Plé ar chur i bhfeidhm leis na húdaráis ábhartha curtha chun cinn i gcaitheamh na bliana. Clár oibre le cur i bhfeidhm in 2025.

Measúnacht ar Thionscadal TREES curtha i gcrích.

Córais monatóireachta speiceas atá oiriúnach don fheidhm, a sholáthraíonn sonraí eolaíochta cáilíochta deimhnithe, a threoróidh an bhainistíocht chaomhnaithe is fearr cleachtais.

Oifig an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh

Críochnaithe. Plean Cur Chun Feidhme Bliantúil comhaontaithe, Plean Oibre agus Tuarascáil Mheasúnachta críochnaithe.

Oifig an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh

Críochnaithe. Leathnaíodh an clár teileiméadrachta chun Loch Cairlinn a áireamh.

Bronnadh ceadúnas HPRA. Tá ceadúnas faighte ag Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna anois chun clibeáil sa dá dhlínse.

Críochnaithe. Forbraíodh agus cuireadh an t-iarratas chuig an maoinitheoir.

Dáta tuartha le haghaidh bronnta luath in 2025.

Torthaí Tosaíochtaí Corparáideacha

Cuspóir Gnó Príomhghníomhaíochtaí Spriocanna Seachadta

Seachaid clár clibeála NorTrack 2024.

Clibeáil sailminide agus eascanna (eel) curtha i gcrích sa Tríú Ráithe (Q3).

CP01

Cuir an Straitéis um Ghníomhaíocht Aeráide i bhfeidhm.

CP05

CP06

Cláir oideachais chomhshaoil agus forrochtana.

Cur i bhfeidhm Straitéis um Ghníomhaíocht Aeráide 10 mbliana.

Plean Feidhmithe agus tús a chur le seachadadh sa Dara Ráithe (Q2).

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil Dul Chun Cinn críochnaithe sa Cheathrú Ráithe (Q4).

CP01

Straitéis

Turasóireachta

Mara agus Plean Gníomhaíochta curtha i gcrích.

Seachaid sraith clár oideachais comhshaoil.

Pleanáil agus sceidealú clár i gC1.

Cur chun cinn clár oideachais agus rannpháirtíochta i gcaitheamh na bliana, C1C4.

Comhairliúchán poiblí ar an Straitéis curtha i gcrích i gC2.

Deiseanna maoinithe féideartha á lorg chun gníomhaíochtaí a chur i bhfeidhm i gcomhréir leis an bPlean Gníomhaíochta i gC2/C3.

Torthaí Seachadta

Monatóireacht speiceas tosaíochta ar amscála atá ábhartha ó thaobh bitheolaíochta agus éiceolaíochta do shaolréanna na speiceas spriocdhírithe.

Comhlíon ár ndualgais reachtúla Thuaidh agus Theas, lena n-áirítear tuairisciú ar an dul chun cinn i laghdú carbóin agus in oiriúnú don athrú aeráide.

Feidhm Seachadta Nuashonrú

Eolaíocht

I gceantair an Fheabhail agus

Chairlinn, cuir i bhfeidhm:

• Clár bliantúil Ambasadóirí Brádáin dírithe ar 8 mbunscoil / scoil shóisearach.

• Clár Ambasadóirí an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn dírithe ar 8 ngrúpa daoine óga idir 14-16 bliana d’aois.

Oifig an Phríomhoifigigh Feidhmiúcháin

Críochnaithe. Tá an chlibeáil ar fad ar shailminidí agus eascanna (eel) críochnaithe do 2024.

Clár deiseanna le haghaidh rannpháirtíocht mhéadaithe i ngníomhaíochtaí fóillíochta mara agus nádúr-bhunaithe faoin aer.

Forbairt

Críochnaithe. Dul chun cinn déanta ar chur i bhfeidhm an Phlean Gníomhaíochta Aeráide i rith 2024.

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil Dul Chun Cinn curtha faoi bhráid Údaráis Fuinnimh Inbhuanaithe na hÉireann.

Críochnaithe. Ambasadóirí Brádáin agus

Clár Ambasadóirí an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn curtha i gcrích in 2024.

Forbairt

Críochnaithe. Taighde déanta ar fhoinsí féideartha maoinithe achoimre críochnaithe.

Loughs Agency Annual Financial Statements

Year ended 31 December 2024

Foreward to the Accounts

The Board presents the financial accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024.

Statutory Background

Loughs Agency (the Agency) of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC), a North/ South Implementation Body, inherited the functions and responsibilities of the Foyle Fisheries Commission with regard to the conservation, protection, management and improvement of the fisheries of the cross-border Foyle Area. The FCILC became operational on 2 December 1999 at which time the assets and liabilities of the Foyle Fisheries Commission were transferred to Loughs Agency.

The FCILC is legislated by the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British Irish Agreement Acts 1999 and 2002. The Board of the FCILC reports to the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and its government Sponsor Departments both North and South – the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in the North (DAERA), and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in the South (DECC).

The FCILC was to be composed of two agencies, Loughs Agency and the Lights Agency. It was intended that the Lights Agency, when established, would replace the Commissioners of Irish Lights as the General Lighthouse Authority for Ireland. However, given the complexities that have arisen in terms of pursuing such a transfer of functions, the transfer has not taken place. These accounts deal with Loughs Agency of the FCILC. The Lights Agency is not in operational existence.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:

• A form directed and approved by the Department of Finance (DoF) and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (DPENDPDR), as provided for in the Body’s Financial Memorandum; and

• The North South Annual Reports and Accounts Guidance provided by DoF and DPENDPDR.

Business Review

A full review of the Agency’s activities is given in the Annual Report.

Results for the Year

The Agency is jointly funded by DAERA in the North and DECC in the South (the Sponsor Departments). Loughs Agency had a profit of £411,100 / €485,579 for the year ended 31 December 2024 (2023: deficit of £355,021 / €408,172).

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 2024 was £NIL (2023 - £NIL).

Charitable Donations

The Agency made no charitable donations during the year.

Business Plan 2024

The Agency’s Business Plan for 2024 was approved by Ministers at the NSMC Aquaculture and Marine Sectoral Meeting on 10th June 2024. As the activities of Loughs Agency do not correlate with measuring its performance against financial targets, the Agency has not reported performance targets in these Accounts. On an ongoing basis the Agency monitors its performance against the objectives and targets as set out in its Business Plan.

Board Members

The functions of the Agency are exercised by the Board. The Board monitors and directs the work of the Agency towards the achievement of objectives set out in the Corporate and Business Plans, which are approved by the NSMC.

The following served as Board Members during the period:

Ms Heather Higgins Chair

Mr Conor Corr Member

Mr Danny Kennedy Member

Dr Declan Little Member

Mrs Fiona Walsh Member Term ended 12 Dec 2024

Professor Frances Lucy Member

Mr Jack Keyes Member

Mr Laurence Arbuckle Member

Mr Niall Greene Member Term ended 12 Dec 2024

Mr Terry McWilliams Member

Equal Opportunities

The Agency has continued to promote an Equal Opportunities Policy which sets out our commitment to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of:

• Gender, marital or family status;

• Religious belief or political opinion;

• Disability;

• Race or ethnic origin;

• Nationality;

• Age; and

• Sexual orientation.

Loughs Agency is opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. The Agency is committed to treating all staff, or applicants for employment with dignity and respect, and will provide a working environment free from unlawful discrimination, victimisation or harassment on the grounds of disability. Our Headquarters is fully compliant with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Equality Scheme

The Agency has an Equality Scheme approved by the Equality Commission, which meets the requirements of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and is fully committed to meeting the equality requirements of both jurisdictions.

Employee Involvement

The core strength and a key resource of the Agency is its people. The strategic objectives of the Corporate Plan and Business Plan are delivered successfully each year through employee engagement and involvement in planning and decision-making processes. The Agency strongly promotes and supports staff at a professional and personal development level, to enable them to meet the responsibility of their individual roles and deliver Agency-wide strategic objectives.

The Agency recognises NIPSA, SIPTU and UNITE unions for negotiation and consultation on employee-related matters.

Payment to Suppliers

The 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 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 2024 89%, (2023: 74%) of bills were paid within 10 days, and 99% (2023: 97%) within 30 days.

Health and Safety

The Agency is committed to complying with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and to all relevant Health and Safety 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 in the Agency since 2006.

Freedom of Information and Data Protection

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 North/South Implementation Bodies.

The Agency is registered under the Data Protection Act 2018 with the Office of the Information Commissioners and will fully comply with its obligations under this Act and its equivalent in Ireland.

The Agency continues to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), implemented in May 2018.

Environmental Regulations

The Agency also follows its obligations under the UK Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the legislation governing Access to Information on the Environment in Ireland.

Future Developments

The Strategic Direction for a New Decade 2020-2030 will continue to act as the overarching context and reference point for future organisational development. In taking this Strategic Direction forward the Agency will focus on our core purpose to oversee the necessary intergovernmental approach required to deliver our functions and statutory remit.

A Mid Term Review of the Plan will commence in January 2025. The review will assess progress against strategic goals, objectives and outcomes, and will provide recommendations for the next five years, taking into account the current strategic landscape, climate and environmental challenges and opportunities for innovation, collaboration and engagement.

The Agency will complete delivery of its current Corporate Plan in 2025. The findings of the Mid Term Review will contribute to informing the development and content of a new 3-year Corporate Plan which will set out clear priorities for the work of the Agency over the period 2026 to 2028. These priorities will consider the imperatives which the Agency must meet in terms of its overall business.

Efficiency with New Technologies

The Agency plans to introduce a new digitally integrated system which brings together multiple HR and Payroll functions into one single combined solution. This will streamline internal processes and enhance decision-making capabilities leading to greater corporate resilience and operational efficiencies.

International Collaboration Research Projects

Loughs Agency regularly seeks to add value to its responsibilities by partaking in major research projects where possible. Following on from the success of SeaMonitor, the Agency is Lead Partner on several collaborative projects focusing on aquatic tracking, contributing towards the Agency’s aim of becoming a global leader in aquatic telemetry (animal tracking) and species management.

In partnering with prestigious institutions worldwide on these projects, the Agency aims to protect aquatic life, shape marine policy and promote global ocean literacy through cutting-edge data collection technologies.

Current programme of collaboration projects include:

• Strategic Infrastructure for Improved Animal Tracking in European Seas (STRAITS) Project (January 2023 - December 2026) – €3.3m funded by the European Research Executive Agency (EREA) under the Horizon Europe Programme.

• Northeast Atlantic Tracking Network (NorTrack) Project (January 2024 - December 2026) – €1.6m funded by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland as part of the Biodiversa Programme.

• Digital Twin of the Ocean: Animal Tracking (DTOTrack) Project (May 2024 - May 2027) – €2.1m funded by the Marine Institute Ireland as part of the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership.

These three-year projects aim to monitor the movements of aquatic species critical to the North East Atlantic (NEA). This collaborative initiative will also address pressing questions related to major ecological challenges facing this vital marine region.

STRAITS is unique in that it is coordinating aquatic animal tracking and environmental observation efforts at a scale that will be usable to make progress on international marine management and planning. It represents a major step towards an operational European Tracking Network (ETN) that contributes to major European, UK and Irish biodiversity initiatives, conservation and policy.

Both NorTrack and DTOTrack will work closely with STRAITS and a wide range of other projects which have distributed infrastructure throughout Europe so that the movements of various aquatic species can be studied.

DTOTrack will specifically focus on creating a prototype of a Digital Twin of the North Sea and will work closely with the European DTO, an EU Commission flagship project under the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters.

The Agency will incorporate this research as a new, valid and critically important tool (i.e. audit point) for managing salmonids in our rivers and loughs with the addition of acoustic telemetry. This technology can also be applied to other species of interest such as European eel, sea bass, trout, etc.

The Agency will continue to develop in-house skills and learning to establish the Agency as a regional and European leader in this field. Learning and expertise developed from these projects will also be used to help inform government policy and meet the needs of wider society in terms of renewable energy development, biodiversity loss and climate change.

PEACEPLUS Programme

The Agency, together with a consortium of partners, submitted two applications in July 2024 to the new PEACEPLUS 5.2 Marine and Coastal Management call. Both projects will complement and enhance the work of the previous INTERREG Projects funded by SEUPB; SeaMonitor and CatchmentCARE. Loughs Agency was informed in early 2025 that both applications were successfully approved for funding.

Subsequent Events

There were no subsequent events.

External Audit

The Financial Statements are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland and the Comptroller and Auditor General in Ireland (C&AGs) in accordance with the provisions of the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, and the BritishIrish Agreement Act 1999.

The C&AGs and the staff of their offices are wholly independent of the Agency. They report their findings to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas.

As 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 confirm that there is no relevant audit information, of which I am aware, that the auditors have not been informed of.

These Accounts have been subject to a formal audit by the C&AGs. The Certificate and Report of the Comptrollers and Auditors General to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas are included at pages 152-154

Sharon McMahon Accounting Officer

11th December 2024

Statement of Accountable Person’s Responsibilities

DAERA in the North and DECC in the South have directed Loughs Agency to prepare a Statement of Accounts for each financial year, ended 31 December, in the form and on the basis set out in the Accounts Direction on page 192. 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, changes in equity and cash flows for the calendar year.

In preparing the accounts, the 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; and

• 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 Officer’s responsibilities as the Accounting Officer of Loughs Agency, includes responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances, and for the keeping of proper records, as set out in the Financial Memorandum of the Agency.

Statement on the System of Internal Control / Governance Statement

Scope of Responsibility

As the Accounting Officer, I have responsibility for maintaining a sound system of internal control, that supports the achievement of Loughs Agency’s policies, aims and objectives, whilst safeguarding the public funds and assets for which I am personally responsible, in accordance with the responsibilities assigned to me in Managing Public Money Northern Ireland, North/South Implementation Bodies Annual Reports & Accounts Guidance 2024 and Public Financial Procedures.

A Policy and Resource Framework is in place which sets out the role and aims of Loughs Agency, its duties and powers, the responsibilities of the Chair, Board and Chief Executive and the relationship with Ministers and Sponsor Departments. This framework also includes an Oversight and Governance Agreement with DECC and a North/South Implementation Body Sponsorship Manual with DAERA. The Agency also operates within its Financial Memorandum guidelines.

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 ongoing 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, which accords with the Finance Departments’ guidance, has been in place in the Agency for the year ended 31 December 2024 and up to the date of approval of the Annual Report and Accounts.

Capacity to Handle Risk

The Accounting Officer and Loughs Agency Board are ultimately accountable for the effective management of the Agency’s business, and in particular for ensuring that there are adequate risk management arrangements and a sound system of internal control.

The Agency has developed a Risk Management Policy, approved by the Board. The Policy provides a clear framework on how the Agency will identify, assess, manage and report on risk.

The Agency’s Risk Management Committee met four times during the year. The Committee, which consists of the Senior Management Team, is responsible for directing and implementing the process of managing risk within the Agency. Appropriate procedures are in place to ensure the Agency’s objectives and risks are identified. As a result, risks have been allocated to the appropriate Risk Owner and the Agency has defined its risk appetite.

The Agency’s Audit and Risk Committee consists of four Members of the Agency’s Board and one coopted Member. There were four Audit and Risk Committee Meetings held in 2024.

The Committee provides support, advice and assurance to the Accounting Officer and the Board on the strategic processes for monitoring and managing risk, internal control and governance systems. At its meetings the Audit and Risk Committee reviewed the Corporate Risk Register to assess if risks were being managed effectively and reviewed and challenged the adequacy and effectiveness of the Agency’s internal controls and risk management processes.

The staff of the Agency manage risk through a range of embedded procedures. These include budgetary and financial controls, documented systems and procedures around processes and activities, delegated authority limits and appropriate training in areas such as fraud awareness. The Agency actively encourages and facilitates cross-Directorate working and training, with the objective of reducing risk through awareness.

All staff have been issued with Loughs Agency’s Risk Management Policy. This document clearly explains the Risk Management processes in place and details the roles and responsibilities of all staff. All staff are expected to work within Loughs Agency’s 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 area of work.

The Risk and Control Framework

Loughs Agency’s Risk Management Committee continued to update the Risk Register during 2024 and quarterly reviews and ownership of risks by Directorates have been ongoing. The Register identifies the key risks facing Loughs Agency and these have been identified, evaluated and graded in relation to their significance. The grading exercise uses a combination of impact and likelihood assessments and was reviewed at each Risk Management Meeting during 2024. The outcome of these assessments is used to plan and allocate resources to ensure that risks are managed to an acceptable level. The Risk Register further details management’s associated controls and actions required to mitigate any risks.

The Agency recognises that Risk Management is an evolving process within the Agency and has continued to embed the following in 2024:

• Quarterly reviews of objectives and assessment of risks undertaken by each Directorate. The Risk Register is distributed to the key owners of risks within the Agency and action points are identified to mitigate risks.

• 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 at each Senior Management Team (SMT) meeting, to enable the 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 Risk Committee and Risk Management is included as a standing agenda item.

• The Risk Management Policy was reviewed and updated during 2024.

• The development and implementation of a new electronic Risk Management system commenced in 2024.

Review of Effectiveness

As Accounting Officer, 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 Sponsor Departments; the SMT within the Agency, who has responsibility for the development and maintenance of the internal control framework; and through 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 and the Audit and Risk Committee. A process to address any weaknesses and ensure continuous improvement of the system is in place.

The following processes have been established and are in place for maintaining and reviewing the effectiveness of the system of governance and internal control:

• Regular reviews by management of financial reports.

• A comprehensive budgeting system, which provides SMT with monthly and the Board with bimonthly reports.

• The Agency has co-opted a qualified Accountant to sit on its Audit and Risk Committee, with the ability and knowledge required to challenge the Financial Statements and accounts.

• 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 over £5,000 and continued use of the Agency’s Business Case template.

• Implementing policies on Risk Management and control.

• The Risk Management Committee identifies, evaluates, mitigates and escalates significant risks faced by the Agency, and documents these through the Corporate Risk Register.

• Operational Risk Registers are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. New and emerging risks are included, and existing risks previously identified are reviewed and updated as necessary.

• Senior Managers have been given a timetable in support of the performance of the respective reviews of effectiveness.

• Four meetings of the Audit and Risk Committee took place in 2024, at which the progress of the Risk Management process was reviewed.

• An Annual Report of the Audit and Risk Committee to inform the Accounting Officer and Chair of its work during 2024 was provided and considered by the Board.

• The application of a risk-based three-year internal audit programme.

• All Internal Audit reports and Northern Ireland Audit Office Management Letter comments were addressed.

Following the reviews of effectiveness, I am provided with annual Stewardship Reports for all four Directorate areas and the Science section within the Agency. These reports provide me with a number of assurances that I require to support the comments I make in the Statement on the System of Internal Control. The reports provide assurance over the systems that make up the operating environment of Loughs Agency.

Key Issues

Review of Approved Staffing Complement

A review will commence during 2025 to orchestrate a comprehensive realignment of the Agency’s framework, placing a strategic emphasis on adaptability and responsiveness. The ultimate objective of this review is to empower Loughs Agency, reshaping it into a proactive force that not only adeptly navigates evolving landscapes but also emerges more robust, adaptive and closely aligned with its overarching mission. It is widely recognised that an increase in staff is inevitable. Once the review has completed a Business Case will be prepared and submitted to Sponsor Departments for approval.

Sustainable Budget and Budget Process

Loughs Agency operates on an annual baseline budget allocation that continues to restrict and impact on the strategic direction of the organisation in delivery of both short and term long corporate objectives. The operating environment in which the Agency is mandated to deliver its statutory obligations has changed considerably. A sustainable budget and budget process is required as a matter of urgency.

Fraud Investigation

The Agency is waiting on the outcome of a PSNI investigation into a timesheet fraud which commenced in the summer of 2022. The investigation file has been passed to the Public Prosecution Service.

Accounting Officer 11th December 2025

Audit Certificate

THE CERTIFICATE OF THE COMPTROLLERS AND AUDITORS GENERAL TO THE NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY AND HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS

Opinion on the accounts

We certify that we have audited the accounts of Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (also known as the Loughs Agency) (the Body) for the year ended 31 December 2024 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 statement;

• the statement of comprehensive income;

• the statement of financial position;

• the statement of changes in equity;

• the statement of cash flows; and

• the related notes including significant accounting policies.

These accounts have been prepared under the accounting policies set out within them.

We have also audited the information in the remuneration report that is described in that report as having been audited.

In our opinion, the accounts:

• Give a true and fair view of the state of the Body’s affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended; and

• Have been properly prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the accounts direction in the appendix to the accounts.

Opinion on regularity

In our opinion, the expenditure and income recorded in the accounts have, in all material respects, been applied to the purposes intended by the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas and the financial transactions reported in the accounts conform to the authorities which govern them.

Basis for opinions on the accounts and on regularity

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the responsibilities of the auditors section of this certificate. We are independent of the Body in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standard and of the Code of Ethics issued by the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions and have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis

for our opinions.

Information other than the accounts

The Body has presented certain other information together with the accounts. This comprises the annual report, the foreword to the accounts, the statement on the system of internal control/ governance statement and the remuneration report. Our opinion on the accounts does not cover the other information and except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the accounts, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the accounts, or our knowledge obtained during the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on remuneration disclosures

The directors have presented a remuneration report with the financial statements. Under the North South Implementation Bodies Annual Reports and Accounts Guidance (2024) issued jointly by the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, we are required to audit and to provide an opinion on certain disclosures made in the remuneration report.

In our opinion, the parts of the remuneration report to be audited have been properly prepared in accordance with North South Implementation Bodies Annual Reports and Accounts Guidance (2024) issued by the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

Matters on which we report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters which we report if, in our opinion:

• The financial statements and the parts of the remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records.

• We have not received all the information and explanations we required for our audit, or

• The accounting records were not sufficient to permit the accounts to be readily and properly audited, or

• The statement on the system of internal control/governance statement does not reflect compliance with applicable guidance on corporate governance.

Responsibilities of the Body and the Accounting Officer for the accounts

As explained more fully in the Statement of Responsibilities, the Body is responsible for the preparation of the accounts on the basis of the accounts direction included in the appendix to the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The Chief Executive, as Accounting Officer, is responsible for the propriety and regularity in relation to the use of public funds.

Responsibilities of the auditors

Our responsibility is to audit 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 and to report thereon to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas. Our objective in carrying out the audit is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these accounts.

As part of an audit in accordance with the ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. In doing so

• We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the accounts whether due to fraud or error; design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks; and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• We obtain an understanding of internal controls relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the internal controls.

• We evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures.

• We conclude on the appropriateness of the use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, on whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Body’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our report to the related disclosures in the accounts or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Body to cease to continue as a going concern.

• We evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the accounts, including the disclosures, and whether the accounts represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

In addition, we are required to obtain evidence sufficient to give reasonable assurance that expenditure and income recorded in the financial accounts have been applied to the purposes intended by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Houses of the Oireachtas and that the financial transactions recorded in the accounts conform to the authorities which govern them.

Dorinnia Carville

Comptroller and Auditor General for

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Audit Office

106 University Street

Belfast

BT7 1EU

Date: 15th December 2025

Comptroller and Auditor General, Ireland

3A Mayor Street Upper

Dublin 1

Ireland

DO1 PF72

Statement of Comprehensive Income

The notes on pages 160 to 191 and Appendix 1 form part of these Accounts.

Statement of Financial Position as at 31st December 2024

The notes on pages 160 to 191 and Appendix 1 form part of these Accounts.

Sharon McMahon Accounting Officer 11th December 2025

Statement of Changes in Equity

The notes on pages 160 to 191 and Appendix 1 form part of these Accounts.

Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of the Year

Notes to the Accounts

1. Accounting Policies

1.a) Basis of Accounting

The Accounts have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of land and buildings fixed assets.

1.b)

Statement of Compliance

The Financial Statements of Loughs Agency for the year ended 31 December 2024 have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 102, the financial reporting standard applicable in the UK and Ireland issued by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), as promulgated by Chartered Accountants Ireland, and are in compliance with the requirements of the North/South Implementation Bodies Annual Reports and Accounts Guidance issued by DoF and DPENDPDR.

1.c) Significant Judgements and Estimates

The preparation of the Financial Statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities, as at the year-end date and the amounts reported for revenues and expenses during the year.

• Depreciation and residual values

Asset lives and associated residual values of all fixed asset classes have been reviewed, in particular the useful economic life and residual values of boats and motor vehicles, and it has been concluded that asset lives and residual values are appropriate.

• Retirement benefit obligation

The assumptions underlying the actuarial valuations for which the amounts recognised in the Financial Statements are determined (including discount rates, inflation rates, rates of increase in future compensation levels, mortality rates) are updated annually based on current economic conditions, and for any relevant changes to the terms and conditions of the pension and post-retirement plans.

The assumptions can be affected by:

i. The discount rate, changes in the rate of return on high quality corporate bonds.

ii. Future compensation levels.

1.d) 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/€1,150 have been capitalised. Prior to this all items of a capital nature were capitalised regardless of cost.

Fixed assets (other than land, buildings and boats) are stated on the Statement of Financial Position at cost, less depreciation, at annual rates calculated to write off the cost of the assets over their estimated useful lives.

On 31 December 2021 boats were revalued by consulting Marine Engineer and Surveyor, MMM Surveys (previously revalued on 31 December 2016). A number of boats had a Net Book Value lower than the valuation given, and as such these were re-lifed in line with the valuation given.

Land and buildings in Northern Ireland were revalued by Land & Property Services (LPS) on 31 December 2021 (previously revalued on 31 December 2016) and were included in the Financial Statements at the revalued amounts.

Fixed asset additions are depreciated from the month of purchase and depreciation is charged in year of disposal.

The current rates applied to fixed asset additions are:

Straight Line:

Land Nil

Buildings

Range of 2-10% depending on expected useful life of asset

Leasehold Improvements Remainder of life of lease

Weirs Range of 4-25% depending on expected useful life of asset

Interpretative Centre 4%

Plant and Equipment / Computer Equipment

Office Equipment / Fixture and Fittings

Reducing Balance:

Range of 6-33% depending on expected useful life of asset

Range of 10-33% depending on expected useful life of asset

1.e) Currency

The Agency’s transactions are effected in both Sterling and Euro. Sterling is effectively the Agency’s working currency. Transactions in other currencies are converted to Sterling at an average of the previous month exchange rate. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are converted to Sterling at the rates of exchange prevailing at the year end date (closing rate). Realised gains and losses are taken to the Income and Expenditure Account.

At year end the Financial Statements are converted into Euro. The Income and Expenditure is converted using the average exchange rate for the year, while the Statement of Financial Position is converted using the closing exchange rate. The closing rate for 2024 is £stg: €1.20601 (2023 is £stg: €1.15068). The average rate for 2024 is £stg: €1.18117 (2023 is £stg: €1.14971).

Currency adjustments arising from this conversion of the Financial Statements are reflected in all Statement of Financial Position items and accordingly are disclosed in Fixed Assets (Note 10), Capital Grants (Note 13), Pension Scheme (Note 14), General Reserve (Note 15) and the Revaluation Reserve (Note 16). Central Bank of Europe rates are used.

1.f) Grants from Sponsor Departments

The Agency receives its revenue grant from monies voted by the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas. The grant is drawn down from its Sponsor Departments on an equal 50:50 basis, which funded the principal activities of Loughs Agency as noted in the Annual Report in the current period. Capital expenditure incurred to acquire fixed assets and investments is credited to the capital 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.

1.g) Other Revenue Grants

The Agency incurs expenditure in relation to a number of programmes and projects which are eligible for grant aid. This expenditure includes amounts paid directly by the Agency and grants disbursed to agencies. Grant income is recognised in the Financial Statements when the related expenditure is incurred on the basis that there is reasonable assurance that Loughs Agency will comply with conditions attached to the payment of grants.

1.h) Employee Benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employees’ services are received.

1.i)

Leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to administrative costs on a straight-line basis over the terms of the lease.

1.j)

VAT

Loughs Agency is not in a position to reclaim VAT. VAT is therefore included as expenditure and where appropriate capitalised in the value of fixed assets.

1.k)

Provisions and Contingent Liabilities

A provision is made in the accounts when there is an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event, and it is probable that there will be a transfer of economic benefits in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably, e.g. for legal cases against the Agency. A contingent liability arises for claims where there is a possible but not probable obligation to settle, or a reliable monetary estimate of the obligation cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the Statement of Financial Position but disclosed in a note to the accounts.

1.l)

Capital Grants

Grants for capital purposes are credited to a capital grant reserve and released to the income statement over the expected useful lives of the assets. Where grant for capital purposes is carried over at year end it shall be recognised as deferred income and only credited to the capital grant reserve upon purchase of assets.

2. North/South Pension Scheme

On 1 January 2015, the Foyle Fisheries Commission Pension (Amendment) Scheme 1979 closed, and members were transferred to the NSPS.

The NSPS was established by the North/South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland Limited with effect from 29 April 2005. It is a defined benefit pension scheme which is funded annually on a pay as you go basis from monies provided by the UK and Irish Exchequers. Funding is provided to the Agency by DAERA in the North and DECC in the South. The scheme is administered by an external administrator.

The NSPS consists of a number of sections with different benefit structures.

The Core Alpha section is a Career Averaged Revalued Earnings (CARE) pension arrangement or scheme with benefits modelled on the Alpha Section of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme in Northern Ireland. The Scheme provides a pension based on a percentage (2.32%) of pensionable pay for each year of active membership (the pension is increased at the start of each scheme year in line with general price inflation) and spouse’s and children’s pensions. Normal retirement age is a member’s State pension age in the relevant jurisdiction.

In the UK the State pension age is currently 66. The UK Government is planning further increases, which will raise the State pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046.

In Ireland, the State pension age is currently 66. This was due to rise to 67 from 1 January 2021 and then 68 from 1 January 2028 however, the legislative provision which provided for these increases was repealed.

Pensions in payment (and deferment) increase in line with general price inflation.

The liability at 31 December 2024 has been included in the Financial Statements and a disclosure note has been included (Note 14) detailing the actuarial review calculations, which were carried out by XPS Pensions Group (appointed 1 July 2022). This includes the results of the calculations of the pension liabilities and costs of employees (and ex-employees) of Loughs Agency for the purposes of the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024. Comparative figures for 2023 are also shown.

Pension costs reflect pension benefits earned by employees in the period. An amount corresponding to the pension charge is recognised as income to the extent that it is recoverable and offset by grants received in the year to discharge pension payments. Pension liabilities represent the present value of future pension payments earned by staff to date. Deferred pension funding represents a corresponding asset, being resources to be made available in future periods from the UK and Irish Exchequers in the manner described above.

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in actuarial assumptions and from experience surpluses and deficits are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The Statement of Financial Position recognises the cumulative liability for pensions earned by employees as at the year end, together with a corresponding asset.

3. Revenue and Capital Grants from Sponsor Departments

Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (Grant In Aid) 3,726,000 3,176,000 4,401,039 3,651,479

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Grant In Aid) 3,726,000 3,176,000 4,401,039 3,651,479 Total 7,452,000 6,352,000 8,802,078 7,302,958

Appropriation of Grants Received in Year

4. Other Revenue Grants

In 2017, the Agency gained approval of funding under INTERREG VA for its portion of the SWELL programme which was a project aimed at improving water quality in shared transitional waters, over a 5-year period. The total funding allocated to this project was €35 million. NI Water was Lead Partner on this project and the Agency’s portion of funding was approximately €84,000 over the period. The project was extended to July 2023 and all work is now complete.

The Agency was also involved as a Partner in the CatchmentCARE Project which in late 2017 secured INTERREG VA funding of approximately €13.8 million over a 5-year period. This project aimed to improve freshwater quality in cross border river basins. Lead Partner on this project was Donegal County Council and the Agency’s portion of this funding was approximately €1.4million over the period. In June 2021 the CatchmentCARE Project was granted approval of a no cost extension for eight months up to 30 April 2023. Work on the project is now complete.

Another project, SeaMonitor, in which Loughs Agency was Lead Partner secured funding in December 2018 under INTERREG VA of approximately €4.7 million, over a 4-year period. This project aimed to develop cross border capacity for the monitoring and management of marine protected areas and species within the region. Loughs Agency’s portion of this funding was approximately €1.7 million over the 4-year period. In October 2021 a request was agreed to extend the end date of this project to 31 March 2023, to allow project activities to be completed.

As Lead Partner on the SeaMonitor Project, SEUPB paid Loughs Agency all monies claimed by other partners, as well as itself. Amounts due to other partners were immediately reimbursed to the other partners by Loughs Agency, when received from SEUPB. The table above only records income and expenditure relating to other partners as and when it is received from SEUPB, since Loughs Agency only carries out the banking function as Lead Partner. At 31 December 2024 there are claims totally approximately €65,401 (2023: €609,729) submitted by other partners to SEUPB that are outstanding. Work on the project is now complete.

In December 2022, a fourth project, STRAITS, in which Loughs Agency is Lead Partner, secured funding of approximately €3.3 million, from the European Research Executive Authority (EREA), as part of the Horizon Europe Programme (2023-2027). Loughs Agency’s portion of this funding is €834,500 over the life of the project which runs from 1 January 2023 - 31 December 2026. As Lead Partner on the STRAITS Project, EREA pays Loughs Agency all monies claimed by other partners, as well as itself. Amounts due to other partners are immediately reimbursed to the other partners by Loughs Agency, when received from EREA. All partners received an advance at the start of the project.

The project will leverage ongoing acoustic animal tracking projects across the four corners of Europe (i.e., North Channel, Danish Straits, Straits of Gibraltar and the Bosporus / Dardanelles), by expanding efforts to connect initiatives on species-based biodiversity management, while developing data management plans and networking channels to deliver data to national and international governing bodies. It represents a major step towards an operational ETN that contributes to major European biodiversity initiatives, conservation and policy.

In 2024, Loughs Agency also commenced partnerships in a further two projects, NorTrack and DTOTrack.

NorTrack project officially commenced on 1 January 2024 and runs until 31 December 2026. NorTrack aims to monitor the movements of aquatic species critical to the NEA via cooperative infrastructure, in an effort to address questions related to major ecological challenges. NorTrack is funded by Biodiversa+, the European Biodiversity Partnership under the 2022-2023 BiodivMon joint call for research proposals, co-funded by the European Commission (GA N°101052342) and with the funding organisations EPA, Innovation Fund Denmark, Research Council of Norway, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Office Français de la Biodiversité, Belgian Science Policy Office and Swedish National Space Agency. Loughs Agency is the Lead Partner but is not responsible for the distribution of funding. There is a consortium agreement for the project, but each project partner also signs a grant agreement on a national level with their respective funding agency. In Loughs Agency’s case this is the EPA. The total grant award for the project is €1,658,000. Loughs Agency’s budget is €286,000.

DTOTrack officially commenced on 27 May 2024 and will run until 27 May 2027. DTOTrack aims to map the movements and distributions of marine life in the North Sea and use that data to create a digital twin of the area. The digital twin can then be used to make more ecologically informed decisions in the blue economy sector and marine spatial planning. DTOTrack is funded by the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership’s first joint call for research proposals, co-funded by the European Commission, and with the funding organisations Marine Institute Ireland, Innovation Fund Denmark, Research Council of Norway, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Belgian Science Policy Office, Swedish National Space Agency, Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) represented by Project Management Jülich, Forschungszentr um Jülich GmbH, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the Dutch Research Council. Loughs Agency is the Lead Partner but, is not responsible for distribution of funding. There is a consortium agreement for the project, but each project partner also signs a grant agreement on a national level with their respective funding agency. In Loughs Agency’s case this is Marine Institute Ireland. The total grant award for the project is €2,134,000. Loughs Agency’s budget is €243,000.

5.a) Ordinary Income

Sundry receipts 2023 include an amount of £621/€714 in relation to amounts charged to EU Project SeaMonitor regarding depreciation of a vehicle used in the SeaMonitor Project, which is claimable via the Project. This concluded in 2023.

5.b) Programme Income

6. Staff Costs and Board Remuneration

In addition to this there were 18 temporary staff, supporting works of the Agency, in 2024 (2023: 18).

Pension interest costs are now included separately under interest payable costs, see Notes 9 and 14.

In 2024 gross salaries include amounts which were recouped for bailiffing services amounting to £28,480/€33,640 (2023: £28,480/€32,744).

6.c) Temporary and Other Staff Costs

(Note 4) STRAITS

Interim Director of Conservation and Protection has a Benefit in Kind for 2024 of £3,960/€4,677 (2023: £3,600/€4,139), related to use of a company vehicle.

Further pay and pension details of the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team are included in the Remuneration Report on pages 47 to 58.

6. d) Senior Management Costs

7. Programme Expenses

8. Administrative Expenses

10. a) Tangible Fixed Assets – Loughs Agency

The currency translation adjustment is the difference between the net book value of Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE) calculated using year-end exchange rates and their net book value stated at historic rates of exchange.

11. Receivables

12. Payables

13. Capital Grants

10,773,092

1,158,909

(225,923)

11,706,078

6,235,058

551,514

(207,850)

6,578,722

5,127,356

4,538,034

6,183,642

265,728

5,221,825

14. Pension Scheme

Loughs Agency employees are members of the NSPS. This Scheme consists of a number of sections with different benefit structures. For further details see Note 2.

Sponsor Departments will meet pension liabilities as they fall due on a yearly basis and within agreed limits. Pension payments were also made to individuals who retired in previous years.

FRS 102 requires Financial Statements to reflect, at fair value, the assets and liabilities arising from an employer’s retirement benefit obligations. It requires the operating costs of providing retirement benefits to employees, to be recognised in the accounting period in which benefits are earned by the employees, and the related finance costs and any other changes in the value of the liabilities to be recognised in the accounting periods in which they arise. FRS 102 also requires the Financial Statements to contain adequate disclosure of the cost of providing retirement benefits and the related gains, losses and liabilities.

The valuation used for FRS 102 disclosures at 31 December 2024 has been carried out by a qualified independent actuary (XPS Pensions Consulting Limited). The principal actuarial assumptions used to calculate scheme liabilities under FRS 102 at 31 December 2024 are:

14.a) Movement in Net Pension Liability during the financial year

The currency translation adjustment reflects the amount of the movement in the value of the pension scheme liability which is attributable to the change in exchange rates over the year.

Amount Recognised in other

The net liability has decreased over the year from a deficit of £16,195,385 to a deficit of £15,246,054, mainly as a result of changes in market conditions which decreased the value placed on the liabilities. This was offset by additional accrual of active liabilities over the measurement period.

Movements in exchange rates over the period have resulted in a gain.

14.c) Analysis of the Net Deferred Funding for Pensions 14.d) Analysis of Current Pension Service Cost 14.e) History of Defined Benefit Liabilities

Loughs Agency recognises as an asset a deferred funding asset of £15,246,054/€18,386,894 as at 31 December 2024 (2023: £16,195,385/€18,635,706). The net deferred funding for pensions recognised in Income and Expenditure in 2024 includes:

The currency translation adjustment reflects the amount of the movement in the value of deferred pension funding which is attributable to the change in exchange rates over the year.

15. General Reserve

Revaluation Reserve 17. Notes to the Cashflow Statement 17.a) Net Cashflow

Proceeds from Disposal of

17.b) Net Cash Outflow from Capital Expenditure and Financial Investment 17.c) Net Cash Inflow from Financing

Net Cash Outflow from

18. Commitments

At 31 December 2024 there were capital commitments of £89,436/€107,861 in relation to Headquarters office refurbishment and £69,000/€83,215 in relation to Artificial Intelligence development.

2023 capital commitments were £560,000/€644,381.

See Note 21 for commitments relating to operating leases.

19. Contingent Liabilities

As at 31 December 2024 the Agency had two civil cases which it initiated, as well as a number of potential civil cases which it is considering.

Loughs Agency has reviewed its internal procedures for the calculation of costs and has applied this methodology to the civil litigation being taken in relation to a 2017 fishkill on the River Faughan. The final report into this incident has been drafted and submitted to Loughs Agency’s legal representatives for assessment. Meetings have been held with legal counsel employed by the Agency in relation to the methodology. A first date in the Commercial Court

has been attended by Loughs Agency counsel. The Agency has instructed its counsel to seek a separate settlement in relation to costs, in the event that a settlement is agreed between the two parties involved. The Agency would become liable for legal costs regarding this in the event that this case was progressed, and the proceedings were unsuccessful. The Agency’s legal advisors are currently liaising with the respondent’s legal representatives with the aim of reaching a resolution on a settlement figure that would also cover costs and avoid the need for court proceedings.

As at 31 December 2024, due to breaches of legislation in the oyster fishery on Lough Foyle, summons have been issued to 24 individuals. These cases are currently being held at the District Court and another 3 cases, which have already been heard by the District Court, are being held under appeal at the Circuit Court. These cases were being held in adjournment pending the outcome of a case in the High Court in Dublin in which the Agency was CoDefendant. The High Court action was resolved in June 2023 when the case was withdrawn. Costs of €388,201 / £337,651 have been billed for this case. The first appearance for these cases following the resolution was September 2023. There it was indicated in the District Court that many of these cases would be scheduled for contest in quarter one of 2024. Costs incurred on the District and Circuit Court cases to mid-2022 have been billed and paid by the Agency. An accrual has been provided for any additional legal work carried out in relation to the District and Circuit court cases since the mid-2022 invoice, with no known additional costs incurred for the Circuit Court cases. A contested case in the District Court could potentially increase the cost of each contested case by approximately €1,000 per case. Counsel has been appointed by the Agency in relation to these cases. Following the resolution of the case of Donegal County Council v. Conor Quinn [2025] IESC 19, the Lough Foyle oyster fishery cases have been set for contest in December 2025.

The Court of Appeal in the McCloud and Sargeant cases found the transitional protections introduced as part of the 2015 reforms to public service pensions were discriminatory. In response to those judgments, a “prospective” and “retrospective” remedy have been confirmed. The “prospective” element means that from 1 April 2022 members of the NSPS Core Final Salary and Reserved Rights PCSPS (NI) sections were moved to the alpha scheme in respect of any accrual from that date. The impact of this change on the liabilities has been allowed for in the above disclosures.

The Bodies are currently working with administrators to deal with the “retrospective” remedy. This remedy will result in affected members being given a “deferred choice underpin” for the period 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022. In effect members can select the method of benefit accrual (final salary or CARE in the alpha section) over the remedy period which is most advantageous to them. Until every member impacted retires the final cost of this remedy is unknown. A contingent liability, which is an estimate of the possible additional liability associated with this matter, has been calculated. As time progresses and members retire and make their choice, we expect that the contingent liability as a proportion of total liability to reduce.

No allowance has been made for the retrospective element of the remedy in the above disclosures. We estimate, on the basis of previous contingent liability notes prepared for each Body, that additional costs for the retrospective remedy will be up to £294,000 for Loughs Agency as at 31 December 2024 (2023: £259,000). This includes allowance for arrears due to current pensioner members.

20. Events After the Reporting Period

There have been no significant events outside the year end which affect these accounts.

21. Operating Lease

At 31 December 2024 the Agency had a number of non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

• A lease for land at Castlefinn for launching boats into the river of €2,200 per annum, renewed annually.

• A lease agreement commencing on 1st February 2021, for lease of premises at Carlingford Sailing Club at a rent of €50,000, plus VAT, per annum for a term of 20 years.

• A 50-year lease commencing in 2024 for lease of the slipway at 22 Victoria Road, at a cost of £1,585 per annum.

The total future minimum lease payments under these leases are as follows:

2023 figures have been restated to remove VAT from liability from slipway lease, and to correct exchange conversion.

22. Related Party Transactions

The FCILC (Loughs Agency) is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by DAERA in the North and DECC in the South. The Departments are regarded as related parties. During the period Loughs Agency has had various transactions with these Departments.

In 2017, the Agency gained approval of funding under INTERREG VA for its portion of the SWELL programme and also a portion under the CatchmentCARE Project. The partners for INTERREG VA SWELL were Northern Ireland Water (Lead), Irish Water, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Loughs Agency and East Border Region.

The partners for INTERREG VA CatchmentCARE were Donegal County Council (Lead), AFBI, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Loughs Agency, University of Ulster, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, British Geological Survey and Geological Survey Ireland.

In 2018, the Agency again received approval of funding under INTERREG VA to act as Lead Partner on another project SeaMonitor. The partners involved in INTERREG VA SeaMonitor were Loughs Agency (Lead), Marine Institute, University of Glasgow, Queen’s University Belfast, AFBI, University College Cork, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Ocean Tracking Network Dalhousie University and University of California.

In December 2022, the Agency was awarded funding from the EREA under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme (2021-2027) for a multi-national marine research project: STRAITS. Loughs Agency is the Lead Partner of the €3.3m grant which runs from 1 January 2023 - 31 December 2026. The other partners are Danish Technical University, Belgium Marine Institute, EGE University (Turkey), Atlantic Technological University (Galway), Centre for Marine Science of the Algarve (Portugal), The Andalusian Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries, Food and Organic Production Research and Training (Spain), Spanish Oceanographic Institute, Institute Norwegian Institute for Nature, Ocean Tracking Network (Canada).

In 2024, Loughs Agency also commenced partnerships in a further two projects, NorTrack and DTOTrack.

NorTrack project officially commenced on 1 January 2024 and runs until 31 December 2026. NorTrack is funded by Biodiversa+, the European Biodiversity Partnership under the 20222023 BiodivMon joint call for research proposals, co-funded by the European Commission and with the funding organisations EPA, Innovation Fund Denmark, Research Council of Norway, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Office Français de la Biodiversité, Belgian Science Policy Office, and Swedish National Space Agency. Loughs Agency is the lead partner but is not responsible for the distribution of funding. There is a consortium agreement for the project, but each project partner also signs a grant agreement on a national level with their respective funding agency. In Loughs Agency’s case this is the EPA Ireland.

DTOTrack officially commenced on 27 May 2024 and will run until 27 May 2027. DTOTrack is funded by the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership’s first joint call for research proposals, co-funded by the European Commission, and with the funding organisations Marine Institute Ireland, Innovation Fund Denmark, Research Council of Norway, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Belgian Science Policy Office, Swedish National Space Agency, Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) represented by Project Management Jülich, Forschungszentr um Jülich GmbH, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the Dutch Research Council. Loughs Agency is the lead partner but, is not responsible for distribution of funding. There is a consortium agreement for the project, but each project partner also signs a grant agreement on a national level with their respective funding agency.

None of the members of key management staff of Loughs Agency, Board Members or their related parties have undertaken any material transactions with Loughs Agency during the period.

23. Losses and Special Payments

There were no losses or special payments in 2024.

Due to the non-trading nature of its activities and the way in which Loughs Agency is financed, it is not exposed to the degree of financial risk faced by business entities. 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 which 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.

24. b) Liquidity, Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Risk

The Agency’s net revenue resource requirements are financed by resources voted annually by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Dáil Éireann, as is its capital expenditure. It is not therefore exposed to significant liquidity risks. The Agency does not access funds from commercial sources and therefore 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 Sponsor Departments in Sterling and does not engage in trading activities.

Appendix 1 Accounts Direction

ACCOUNTS DIRECTION GIVEN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL, ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL AFFAIRS, NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND COMMUNICATIONS, IRELAND, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE DEPARTMENTS, NORTH AND SOUTH (THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN DELIVERY AND REFORM), 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 calendar year, and the state of affairs as at the year end. Subject to this requirement, Loughs Agency shall prepare accounts for the calendar year ended 31 December 2024 and subsequent calendar years in accordance with:

a. The North/South Implementation Bodies Annual Reports and Accounts Guidance;

b. Other guidance which the Finance Departments may issue from time to time in respect of accounts which are required to give a true and fair view; and

c. Any other specific disclosures required by the Sponsor Departments.

Except where agreed otherwise with both Finance Departments, in which case the exception shall be described in the notes to the accounts.

Signed by authority of the:

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Northern Ireland)

Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (Ireland)

David Simpson

Date 17th November 2023

Philip Nugent

Date 17th November 2023

BT47

ISBN 978-1-0667057-0-2