Displaying items by tag: water sports

15th May 2011

Sailing Determined to 'Stand on Podium' in 2012

Irish sailing bosses are determined to "stand on the podium" at the 2012 Olympic Games.

http://www.afloat.ie/sail/

http://www.afloat.ie/sail/events/olympics-2012/

That was the message from last week's briefing by Ireland's four Olympic 'water sports' of canoeing, rowing, swimming and sailing, covered in The Irish Times.

For next summer the Irish Sailing Association has narrowed its focus on three boat classes - the Star Class, 49er and Laser Radial.

But the competition will be tough, with more than 40 countries vying for a handful of remaining Olympic spots at the Perth Sailing World Championships in December.

Other sports are more modest in their aspirations, with rowing rebuilding from the ground up with younger athletes, and Swim Ireland pushing forward with a streamlined team and plans to have six swimmers compete in London next summer.

In canoeing, Eoin Rheinisch - who placed fourth in the canoe slalom in Beijing - was on hand to discuss his qualification hopes, with two chances to clinch a spot between now and the games.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/0511/1224296695337.html

Irish sailing bosses are determined to "stand on the podium" at the 2012 Olympic Games.

That was the message from last week's briefing by Ireland's four Olympic 'water sports' of canoeing, rowing, swimming and sailing, covered in The Irish Times.

For next summer the Irish Sailing Association has narrowed its focus on three boat classes - the Star Class, 49er and Laser Radial.

But the competition will be tough, with more than 40 countries vying for a handful of remaining Olympic spots at the Perth Sailing World Championships in December.

In canoeing, Eoin Rheinisch - who placed fourth in the canoe slalom in Beijing - was on hand to discuss his qualification hopes, with two chances to clinch a spot between now and the games.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.

Published in Olympics 2012

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MEP Highlights Possibilities for Marine Tourism

An Irish MEP has urged the new Government to exploit the "endless possibilities" of marine tourism in Ireland.

Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg earlier this week, Sean Kelly MEP said: "“My own constituency of Ireland South alone boasts a huge array of tourist attractions along the sea shore. Deep-sea and river angling in East Cork, whale-watching in West Cork, surfing along the beautiful beaches of Kerry."

Kelly argued that the draft Atlantic Area Strategy - designed to facilitate greater economic co-operation between coastal countries in western Europe - would encourage new business start-ups in popular water sports such as surfing and other coastline activities.

"I would like to see more surfing competitions, marine festivals and a determined marketing campaign to attract international visitors to the region," he said, adding that tourism bodies in Ireland and the UK specifically should work together on a joint action plan.

“The whole island of Ireland should reap the rewards of having one of Europe’s best coastlines for water sports and marine tourism," said Kelly.

An Irish MEP has urged the new Government to exploit the "endless possibilities" of marine tourism in Ireland.

Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg earlier this week, Sean Kelly MEP said: “My own constituency of Ireland South alone boasts a huge array of tourist attractions along the sea shore. Deep-sea and river angling in East Cork, whale-watching in West Cork, surfing along the beautiful beaches of Kerry."

“The whole island of Ireland should reap the rewards of having one of Europe’s best coastlines for water sports and marine tourism," said Kelly.

Published in Coastal Notes

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.