Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Duke offers peace talks to Youghal Town Council over rights to Blackwater fishing
Photo Exclusive: Michael Hussey (www.YoughalOnline.com)
The Duke of Devonshire, Peregrine Andrew Mornington Cavendish with Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles leaving Lismore Castle taken back in March 2004
Photo Michael Hussey (www.YoughalOnline.com)
A CENTURIES-OLD battle over the River Blackwater could be settled after an offer of peace talks from the millionaire British aristocrat who claims extensive rights over its fishing grounds.
The 12th Duke of Devonshire, Peregrine Andrew Mornington Cavendish, owns spectacular Lismore Castle in west Waterford as well as 20 miles of the Blackwater between the vast Lismore estate and Youghal harbour.
His family’s claim over the river, which dates back to 1753, means he alone has the power to sell fishing licences for its abundant salmon. More controversially, he also claims rights to the riverbed, which means authorities in Youghal cannot even put down moorings without his permission.
Prince Charles and his close friend The Duke of Devonshire, Peregrine Andrew Mornington Cavendish pictured in Lismore March 2004 Photo Michael Hussey (www.YoughalOnline.com)
In an RTÉ radio documentary broadcast last night, the publicity-shy peer spoke publicly for the first time about the contentious issue and says he wants to meet local people to sort out their differences.
“We should sit down with the people in Youghal, the officials, and not deal with this discussion through the media,” he said. “There are a number of issues which we would love to resolve and I would welcome an approach from the council to come and discuss them with us.” In an effort to end years of bitterness among some local anglers and a potential stream of court battles, the Duke has urged officials in Youghal to organise talks. He said: “It may be that we should now turn over a new leaf and see what we can do talking to them, and I’m sure something good can come of that.”
Youghal Town Councillor Olly Casey beside The River Blackwater
Youghal Harbour (August 2003)
Youghal town councillor Olly Casey, who has led moves by the council to have the historic rights reviewed, said he was delighted with the duke’s remarks.
“Contact has been made today and I would be confident that we would be going into talks and that they will be fruitful,” he said.
The duke, whose main home is at Chatsworth in Derbyshire, northern England, is estimated to be worth about €650 million. His Blackwater riverbanks alone are valued at a minimum of €10m.
RTÉ - Documentary On One - Sunday 20th April 2008
Fishing the Blackwater
A documentary about fishing rights on the river Blackwater (44min 58sec)
[ click on icon link above to download or play the radio interview above ]
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