Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has announced details of its €30,000 Sponsorship Programme for 2024.
The programme is one of the main funding mechanisms used by IFI to promote sustainable angling in Ireland.
IFI invested in 71 angling events and initiatives across Ireland in 2023, including national or international competitions and festivals, coaching and juvenile outreach events, public awareness events, supporting international teams competing overseas and other angling-related initiatives.
The fund will have a particular focus on promoting sustainable angling tourism in rural areas while also supporting initiatives aimed at beginners and young anglers.
Launching the 2024 call, IFI’s head of finance and corporate services Suzanne Campion said: “We have the unique opportunity through the IFI Sponsorship Programme to support a driver of rural economic growth, to assist those who wish to go fishing for the first time, and to highlight the importance of biodiversity, conservation and sustainable recreational fishing.
“Angling can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and one beginner’s fishing trip can turn into a lifetime recreational pursuit.”
Angling clubs, groups and associations nationwide are now invited to apply for sponsorship funding before the Friday 19 January deadline. Requests for equipment, staff support and biosecurity assistance can be made to IFI throughout the year.
Examples of teams, competitions and events that were awarded sponsorship by IFI in 2023 include:
- The National Junior Boat Fishing Competition, hosted by Newport Sea Angling Club in Mayo
- Lough Ree ‘King of the Lake’ International Pike Festival
- The World Feeder Club Championships at Lough Muckno, Co Monaghan
- Development days and coaching programmes held by fishing clubs nationwide
- The Rosslare Small Boats Festival in Wexford
- Irish youth international teams competing at Home Nations and World Championships in the Netherlands, Wales and Portugal
Over 327,000 adults in Ireland ‘go fishing’ (Ipsos/MRBI) while 18% of adults in Ireland that had never been fishing before said that they are “likely” to try angling in the future (Amárach Research).
Programme and application details are available on the IFI website HERE.
