Push to ensure Ennell on list of designated of wild brown trout lakes

Minister Peter Burke and Cllr Andrew Duncan this week met anglers, the chairman and CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland and the club chairman and secretary of the Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association.

The Mullingar TD and group are involved in a campaign to ensure Lough Ennell is included in the list of designated of wild brown trout lakes.

The designation and subsequent by-law gives statutory status to a small number of distinctive waters and means they will continue to be managed primarily as brown trout waters.

Speaking from Blackhall, Minister Burke said we have to ensure our local natural amenities are valued and supported: “Lough Ennell has the some of the largest stocks of wild brown trout in the country, even though it was never professionally stocked. Many trout-spawning streams and nursery areas discharge into Ennell, ensuring self-sufficient stock recruitment.

“Lough Ennell previously produced the largest ever lake brown trout in Ireland, at 26lbs (11.8 Kg).

“We must invest in the development and maintenance of our natural wild brown trout lakes, and market this fantastic resource to anglers and tourists nationwide.

“The designation will form an important part of this, and it is great to see all stakeholders working closely together to ensure a positive outcome for our local angling community.”