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Cllr Francis Timmons – Independent Voice

Corcaigh Fisheries

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

QUESTION NO. 3

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive to put forward a sustainable plan for Corcaigh Fisheries and to give an update at where the future of the Fisheries is at?

REPLY:
The following report was presented to the Organisation, Procedure and Finance Committee Meeting on 19th September 2014.

The development of Corkagh Fishery arose out of the development of a flood attenuation scheme on the River Camac following significant flooding in Clondalkin Village in the late 1990’s / early 2000’s. Following construction of the flood attenuation ponds, an opportunity to develop a put and take fishing facility as an amenity concession in Corkagh Park was developed and opened in 2004.

Camac Valley Camping and Caravan Park is promoted as part of the tourism product for the county and the fishery is actively  promoted at appropriate events. While some of the oversees visitors using the caravan park also use the fishery, it is understood from Fáilte Ireland and Fisheries Ireland that the main draw for fishing in Ireland is wild fishing i.e. river and sea fishing. 

The fishery is a popular destination for local residents and park visitors alike with many people using the coffee shop during the summer months. Upgrade works were carried out to the fishing shop, outdoor terrace, and fishing platforms earlier this year. Works were also carried towards the end of 2013 to improve disabled access on the path between the lakes and to the fishing platforms.

BK Golf management Ltd has been managing the Fishery since April 2013 in line with the Camac Valley Licence Agreement at the requirement of South Dublin County Council pending the outcome of a tender process specific to the Fishery operation. A management concession for the facility was tendered in November 2013 but the process was unsuccessful as no tenders were received.

The business is seasonal and the Council is mindful of the economic costs of staffing the facility. As a result, the Council is undertaking a full audit and review of the facility to determine the best way to proceed. The  Council is currently examining several options:

1. Tender for the management of the facility on basis of an Annual Franchise Fee. The Council would still be involved in the maintenance of the building, lakes and surrounds.

2. Tender for the full management, operation and maintenance of the facility on the basis of an Annual Franchise Fee. This would include the setting of admission fees.

3. Operate the facility directly with no private operator involved.

4. Close the fishery and redevelop the facility as a tearoom/restaurant visitor facility. 

When the full audit of the facility has been completed and full cost / benefit analysis of the various options has been completed, a further report with recommendations will be brought before the Members.

Since that meeting, a preliminary review of the market has been undertaken. There are ten “put and take” fisheries, including Corkagh Park Fishery, operating in the region (Dublin and surrounding counties) and which are in competition with it. It is clear from the initial examination that Corkagh Park Fishery is disadvantaged on a number of grounds including rates, additional attractions, amenities and security.

Additional expert input is being sought to guide the review and assist in the preparation of a final report with recommendations which, in the first instance, will be brought back to a future meeting of the Organisation, Procedure and Finance Committee.

 

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