Minister for Natural Resources Conor Lenihan co-signed an order today along with the Minister for Finance setting the rod angling licence fees for 2010 at 10% less than applied in 2009. The fees set ordinarily track the Consumer Price Index which shows a 7% reduction since last year. No changes were made in the fees chargeable in 2009.
Minister Lenihan explained “I sponsored the initiative which demonstrates Government commitment to reduce charges wherever possible. The fee reduction should be a welcome development and enhance the attraction of fishing as a recreational activity”.
The Minister remarked that "The initiative also expresses the support for the fisheries boards’ efforts toward building angling tourism numbers and providing assistance to the remaining commercial fishery."
The fees collected by the fisheries boards are reinvested in the conservation, protection and management of the inland fisheries resource. 50% of the fees are specifically designated for Salmon Stock and Habitat rehabilitation initiatives.
It is the Minister's intention to apply the same price reduction to the commercial salmon fishing licences once he has obtained the approval of the Oireachtas in the New Year.
