Anglers concerned over proposals for reservoir regulation

Anglers have raised concerns that proposed new regulations may leave reservoir owners facing criminal prosecutions and increased financial obligations.

A representative group has claimed that anglers and reservoir owners could gain convictions for downstream developments they have no control over.

The warning comes as Stormont’s infrastructure committee is to formally consider amendments to legislation around reservoirs on Wednesday.

The Ulster Angling Federation (UAF) said the proposals could affect angling clubs and fisheries, farmers, private landowners, and charities.

It said that reservoir safety requirements could vary over the potential consequences of a dam failure – including risks to people and property downstream.

The federation, which stressed its objections were not intended to obstruct development or weaken safety standards, said that new housing or commercial developments could increase the future risk associated with such failures, even if the reservoir itself has not changed.

It also suggested potential implications for government officials if the regulations apply to Northern Ireland’s public angling estate, operated by the Department of Agriculture.

The committee will consider proposed regulations for offences and penalties around supervision, records, inspection and failures to comply with enforcement notices.

On criminal penalties being considered, a spokesperson for the UAF said: “Under the proposed framework, failure to comply with certain statutory safety requirements could lead to enforcement action and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.

“That is a worrying prospect for voluntary and community organisations who are already overwhelmed with knowledge gaps and inexperience in policy and governance development, with our support in this field increasing by as much as 239% since last year.

“But this doesn’t mitigate that any reservoir manager could potentially face significant financial pressures alongside criminal enforcement risks, where development outside their control has contributed to increased safety obligations.”

The UAF is seeking clarity on whether downstream development could increase statutory obligations and costs for existing reservoir owners, who will bear any additional costs, what safeguards are in place in cases where developers cease trading, and if criminal enforcement will apply to voluntary and charity organisations managing reservoirs.

The Department for Infrastructure has been contacted for comment.