Inland Fisheries Ireland convicts two men in Carlow for illegal salmon fishing

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has secured convictions against two men for illegal salmon fishing on the River Slaney in County Carlow.

The first perpetrator, Dylan Byrne from Hacketstown, Co Carlow, was instructed to pay €700 in fines, and €500 in legal costs.

He was also charged with obstruction or impediment of a fisheries officer.

The second man, Conor Kavanagh from Carnew, Co Wicklow was fined €350, and directed to pay €500 in legal costs. 

Both men were also each charged with using an illegal method for salmon fishing, and failing to produce a licence.

Commenting after the court verdict, Lynda Connor South Eastern River Basin District Director at IFI said, 'The protection of the River Slaney is extremely important to sustain a viable population of wild salmon.'

'Illegal angling puts further pressure on this exceptionally vulnerable fish. I commend our fisheries protection officers for their unwavering commitment in protecting this wonderful species.'

According to Inland Fisheries Ireland, the breaches of legislation, Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, occurred on May 15th 2023 on the River Slaney, in the townland of Kildavin, Co Carlow.   

The case against Dylan and Conor was heard at Carlow District Court on December 7th 2023.

IFI encourages members of the public to report illegal fishing incidents, and those of water pollution, fish kills, and habitat destruction, to its 24/7 phone number 0818 34 74 24.