AQW 15792/17-22

Mr Alex Easton
Democratic Unionist Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 04/03/2021
Answered On Date: 16/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in relation to the sale of Portavoe Reservoir, and the agreement that angling permit holders would have full access to fishing, why no angling has been allowed since the closure of the site.

Answer:

Portavoe Reservoir was sold by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) into private ownership in June 2020.

Discussions have taken place between my officials and the new owners, and the new owners have confirmed that they wish the site to remain private and not open to the public.

DAERA are seeking legal advice regarding access rights for permit holders to fish at the site. Until this has been clarified permit holders have been advised that the site will remain closed for the foreseeable future.