Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has secured funding of €536,886 to develop key angling projects in rural areas. The investment will see development of new recreational facilities and the maintenance of existing angling infrastructure across eight significant projects. Inland Fisheries Ireland collaborated with county councils, chambers of commerce and other local community organisations in the development of these projects to proposal stage and will now continue to work closely with them through the implementation of the initiatives. The funding was awarded by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs as part of the Government’s programme to support rural development.
The package will see projects delivered in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Cloone, Co. Leitrim, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Newscastle, Co. Tipperary, Carrick-On-Shannon and Donamon, Co. Roscommon, Kilconnell, Co. Galway, Gweebarra, Co. Donegal and Ballinalee, Co. Longford. It will invest in projects such as river bank restoration, a fishery recreation hub, access for coarse angling and fishing points (fishing stands, jetties, boat slips, car parking) which will allow for international match events and upgrade of existing disabled angling facility to include attractive, accessible lakeside and river bank walks.
The projects form part of the National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD), the comprehensive national framework for the development of Ireland’s angling resource. The NSAD, developed by Inland Fisheries Ireland in consultation with stakeholders, will deliver a wide-ranging set of investments, innovations and promotions over the coming five years. This will ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced for both their economic value and recreational benefit to the communities and visitors they serve across Ireland.
Inland Fisheries Ireland says the investment in rural angling is crucial in order to realise the benefits which can accrue from the natural fisheries resource. In 2015, Ireland attracted 163,000 overseas visitors who fished with a further 273,000 domestic anglers in the country. The sector contributes €836 million to the Irish economy and supports over 11,000 jobs, often in rural and peripheral communities. Effective and sustainable implementation of the NSAD will ensure stability of existing jobs and businesses reliant on angling, and the creation of new jobs as the economic impact of angling grows.
Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Inland Fisheries Ireland is delighted to secure this funding for the development of projects which will play an important role in creating a world class fisheries resource which will have significant benefits for rural communities. The fisheries resource in Ireland is extensive and investment is vital to ensure its ongoing protection, conservation and development.
I would like to thank the communities involved for their commitment to the proposed projects to date. We look forward to working closely with these communities and local representative groups as we grow their unique angling offering.”
Inland Fisheries Ireland funding projects
Inland Fisheries Ireland has been awarded funding for the above projects
