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This week sees the announcement of new funding approved by Cabinet for young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds to have opportunities to embark on tall ship training voyages.

Minister of State with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Disabilities, Finian McGrath, will launch the new youth development funding in conjunction with Sail Training Ireland from the Brian Ború docked at Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club in Ringsend tomorrow lunchtime, Friday 11 January.

It’s believed that the new initiative would benefit young people many of whom have been referred to the sailing charity by judges, Garda, Tusla and other groups working with vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

In November, Sail Training Ireland was shortlisted in the National Inclusion Awards, welcoming the news as “recognition of the fact that 86 people or 25% of our trainees [in 2018] had a disability of some kind”.

Published in Tall Ships

Seal Rescue Ireland has been awarded €15,000 in funding for its animal welfare efforts going into 2019.

The Courtown, Co Wexford-based organisation is one of 108 that received funding awards from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine that total a record €2,751,000.

Two other marine wildlife-related recipients were Galway & Claddagh Swan Rescue, which gets €5,500, and the Oiled Wildlife Response Network at Shannon Foynes Port which will get €2,000.

“It gives me great pleasure in awarding this funding, which is the largest ever allocation of funding by my department to animal welfare organisations,” said Minister Michael Creed, who added that “we are very fortunate in Ireland in having a voluntary sector dedicated to animal welfare”.

The Minister acknowledged that the workload for many of these organisations has increased over recent years on account of a number of factors, including the active enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

He also noted the work undertaken by staff in his own Department on animal welfare matters, and stated that he and his officials will continue to work closely with animal welfare groups.

And he reminded the public of the dedicated email address ([email protected]) and helpline (01 607 2379 or Call Save 0761 064 408) in operation in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for members of the public to report incidents of animal neglect and cruelty.

Published in Marine Wildlife
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#Angling - Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has launched its Sponsorship Programme for 2019 and is now inviting applications from suitable angling events and initiatives nationwide.

The programme, which is one of the funding mechanisms of the National Strategy for Angling Development, awarded funding to 62 Irish angling events and 10 teams representing Ireland in overseas international events to the combined value of €30,000 last year.

Sean Canney, Minister of State with responsibility for the inland fisheries sector, said: “I want to congratulate Inland Fisheries Ireland for making financial support available once again in 2019 for projects and events which will support novice and junior anglers and help grow angling tourism.

“I support Inland Fisheries Ireland’s aim to help ‘bring angling to the people’ by supporting initiatives which help remove barriers to those looking to try fishing or for younger people who already enjoy the pursuit. IFI is working to support events and initiatives which promote the angling tourism product with a view to growing angler tourist numbers and economic return.”

The Sponsorship Programme supported 17 initiatives by local angling clubs during the year which included junior competitions, summer leagues, disability outreach programmes and angling coaching workshops.

In total, 630 juvenile and novice anglers participated in these initiatives and almost 300 of them joined a fishing club for the first time following their participation in a local engagement project.

In addition to junior and novice angling projects, there were 28 large scale angling events supported via the programme in 2018 with 1,866 experienced anglers taking part. Over 800 anglers travelled from outside Ireland to participate in these angling competitions, IFI says.

The events and initiatives which are eligible for funding in 2019 include:

  • Large international competitions held in Ireland which showcase Ireland’s angling and contribute to local economies, supporting jobs and businesses.
  • Novice angler events and training courses which increase participation in angling including funding of transport hire for participants to facilitate attendance at novice angler events.
  • Initiatives to promote fisheries awareness and/or conservation and protection of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource.
  • Initiatives promoting angling as a key Irish tourism activity, such as via high quality angling promotional videos, seminars, coaching, training, workshops, etc.
  • Juvenile and minority angling teams representing Ireland at international events both home and abroad.

“Our 2019 Sponsorship Programme will play an important role in driving angling participation among novice and junior anglers,” said Suzanne Campion, head of business development at IFI. “The Sponsorship Programme has awarded €30,000 per year over the past five years to angling clubs and groups nationwide to help in the delivery of local angling events.

“In addition to supporting those who are casting for the first time, we also have a unique opportunity to grow our angling tourism product. The Sponsorship Scheme offers clubs and associations an incentive to engage overseas anglers to visit our renowned wild fisheries and to enjoy fishing here in a conservation focused manner.”

Applications for funding from the Sponsorship Scheme are now invited from angling clubs, associations or any local group organising an angling initiative.

The scheme will remain open for funding applications until Friday 18 January with applications for equipment, staff support and biosecurity assistance available throughout the year. Awards will be subject to budget availability and adherence to the scheme requirements.

To find out more and to apply, see the Sponsorship Programme page on the IFI website.

Published in Angling

Ambitions for a National Watersport Centre in Dun Laoghaire could be revived following the launch of a new State fund supporting infrastructure for multi-sports projects.

Applications are now being invited for the the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, launched by Ministers Shane Ross and Brendan Griffin this week.

The scheme is initially open to applications from national governing bodies (NGBs) and local authorities (LAs) and will consist of two streams.

Stream one, which is aimed at smaller NGBs and LAs, will help fund the development of proposals to tender stage. Stream two will assist applicants to bring projects from tender stage to completion.

The scheme encourages multi-functional sports facilities that will serve more than one sport — which is in line with previous proposals to make Dun Laoghaire a national hub for sailing, kayaking, rowing and more.

Sharing between sports, NGBs and LAs is encouraged and such projects will be viewed more favourably by the fund. The scheme will also require a minimum contribution of 30% from applicants toward the cost of any works/design.

The new fund is separate and distinct from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport’s long-running Sports Capital Programme (SCP), which is focused on smaller capital projects where the maximum grant is €150,000.

The full terms and conditions of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund and application forms can be found HERE.

#Angling - Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has been awarded funding to develop angling among young people as part of the Dormant Account Action Plan 2018.

“Inland Fisheries Ireland was chosen as a recipient of two funding measures which will engage and support young and novice anglers in Ireland,” said Seán Kyne, Minister of State for Rural Affairs and Natural Resources, announcing the funding yesterday (Thursday 19 July).

“The funding will see the development of a new novice angling strategy, a scheme to support angling events for novice and youth anglers and the appointment of five Regional Outreach Co-ordinators”.

Novice Angling Strategy (€70,000)
This measure will see the development of a Novice/Youth Angling Strategy and a scheme to support events for disadvantaged groups, angling hubs and coaches to ensure a safe environment for youths and vulnerable adults. IFI will continue to support Angling for Youth Development Ireland (AFYDI) and the Angling Council of Ireland (ACI) who facilitate the formation of angling hubs nationally to increase access to angling through the provision of trained coaches and safe fishing.

Go Fishing - Novice Angling Initiative (€323,250)
This project will see the appointment of five regional Outreach Coordinators in the major urban areas who will work with Angling for Youth Development Ireland, the Angling Council of Ireland and other angling organisations to increase the numbers engaging in angling across the regions.

The Dormant Account Action Plan allocates €40 million in funding to 45 measures nationwide. Its funding supplements the support already allocated by IFI to youth angling via the National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD). These five appointments, together with NSAD supported posts, will deliver national education and outreach and novice angling briefs.

The funding will also allow IFI to properly resource a novice angling strategy which will incorporate one of its existing youth angling programmes, the Dublin Angling Initiative, and the many other education and outreach initiatives which are taking place across the country. It will also reach out to and include angling and voluntary organisations nationwide.

“We are delighted to welcome this funding, which will support us in growing the numbers of novice and youth anglers in Ireland,” said IFI chief executive Dr Ciaran Byrne. “Recent socio-economic studies of recreational angling in Ireland reveal that of the 325,000 anglers in Ireland, 37% are over 55 years of age and 49% are in the 35-54 age bracket. We know however that 83% of primary school students we surveyed want to go fishing.

“There is a huge opportunity for us to engage the next generation around our natural fisheries resource and to introduce them to angling, a pastime they can enjoy at any age or ability with many health and wellbeing benefits. The Dormant Account funding will help us realise our ambitious objectives of growing participation in fishing nationally and secure the future of our resource as a result.

“We look forward to working closely with angling groups and communities across Ireland in the development of a new Youth Angling Strategy and the roll out of related novice angling initiatives.”

Published in Angling

#IrishHarbours - According to Galway Bay fm, €225,000 has been ringfenced for harbour projects in the county.

€112,000 will be spent on slipway and pier infrastructure at Crumpan Pier, Carna.

A further €112,000 will go towards slipway and pier extension works at Droim, Lettermore.

The money has been announced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as part of a €2.2 million national fund.

Published in Irish Harbours

#Fishing - Funding for a new slipway has been allocated for the harbour at Ros a Mhil in Connemara.

According to Galway Bay FM, it’s part of a 27.9 million euro fund for 2018 Capital projects at Ireland’s six fishery harbour centres.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed has announced the funding for Ros a Mhil, Howth, Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East and Killybegs.

The funds which will provide for a new slipway in Ros a Mhil, a small craft harbour welfare building, deep water quay preparation, safety and maintenance and disability access.

Published in Fishing

#IrishSailing - Irish Sailing has received the second-highest allocation from Sport Ireland for High Performance Programmes in 2018.

On Thursday 1 February, Sport Minister Brendan Griffin announced this year’s around of investment for 2018, which sees Ireland’s national governing body for sailing get €735,000 for high performance projects — second only to Athletics Ireland at €790,000 — on the eve of the first qualifiers for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Irish Sailing also receives €323,000 in core funding under the €10.8 million investment package for National Governing Bodies for Sport, and €18,000 under the Women in Sport programme.

Commenting on the high performance grant, Irish Sailing performance director James O’Callaghan said: “It is a fantastic endorsement of our sport and reflects the efforts put in by our sailors, coaches and clubs throughout the country into the performance pathway.

“Despite the generous support, the pathway still faces challenges to deliver a world class programme from junior to Olympic classes.

“2018 is Olympic qualifying year which is a huge milestone in the quadrennial. Our next challenge is to secure additional funding for capital equipment.

O’Callaghan added: “The Irish Sailing Foundation, set up to bridge the financial gap, was a big contributor to the programme in 2017 and it is hoped this will grow further in 2018 enabling continued success.”

Other aquatic sporting bodies benefitting from this year’s funding package include Rowing Ireland, with €210,000 in core funding, €525,000 under the High Performance programme and €45,000 under Women in Sport; and Canoeing Ireland, which receives €205,000 in core funding and €40,000 under High Performance.

The Irish Surfing Association gets €64,000 to match its core funding in 2017, plus €7,000 under Women in Sport, while the Irish Underwater Council, which governs diving and other subaquatic sports, receives €60,000 in core funding.

Meanwhile, the Irish Waterski & Wakeboard Federation gets €20,000 core funding, and the Angling Council of Ireland receives €10,000 core funding plus €4,000 under Women in Sport.

These grants are in addition the funding allocated under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme for local projects and regional developments that were announced in November and December respectively.

Published in ISA

#Angling - Sean Kyne, Minister with responsibility for the inland fisheries sector, has welcomed the award of funding to the value of €2.2m by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to 115 angling development and conservation initiatives as part of its National Strategy for Angling Development, Salmon Conservation Fund and Midlands Fisheries Fund.

The projects, which focus on improving Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resource, will begin delivery in 2018.

In total, applications for over 140 projects were received bringing the overall value of projects applying for funding to above €2.9 million.

Minister Kyne said: “I would like to congratulate the applicants who have been awarded this funding. The projects receiving funding are located in 24 counties across the country.

“They include fisheries habitat conservation projects as well as the provision of infrastructure and equipment to allow for improved access to angling. Education/youth initiatives and projects aimed at attracting increased numbers of tourist anglers also attracted funding.”

Minister Kyne also noted the recently announced new ‘Fisheries Projects Animators’ scheme, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

“That initiative will support the implementation of these projects in assisting community organisations nationwide in realising these ambitious angling projects and conservation initiatives over the coming year,” he added.

The 2017 funding call was first announced in August, with local groups and individuals including local development associations, tidy towns, angling clubs, local authorities and others invited to apply for funding.

The IFI website has more information on the funding process and recipient projects, which are listed below.

Carlow

  • River Barrow, shore side, Woodford Dolmen Hotel Grounds, Killkenny Road, Carlow - Jetty situated on the bank of the River Barrow - Woodford Dolmen Hotel (€5,802)

Cavan

  • Brackley Lake - Footway to improve access to angling along Prospect Shore at Brackley Lake - Cavan County Council (€31,444)
  • Killnahard, Ballyheelan, Killnaleck - Improve boat slip and car park for angling access at Killnahard Bay - Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association (€24,850)
  • Templeport Lake, Kildoagh, Templeport, Bawnboy - Templeport Lake Fishing Stand - Templeport Development Association (€2,000)

Clare

  • Fanore, North Clare - Angling equipment for Juvenile Training and Coaching Programme - Lisdoonvarna Fanore Sea Angling Club (€6,875)
  • Derg Isle Adventure Centre, Carrowmore - Angling equipment to develop youth angling – Ducey’s Personal Development Academy (€2,000)

Cork

  • River Blackwater (Munster), Mallow - Restoration and Enhancement of Angling Facilities catering for Game & Coarse Anglers in Mallow Town on River Blackwater (Munster) - Mallow Development Partnership (€89,157)
  • Deasy’s Stream, River Bandon, Bandon - Deasy's Stream Rehabilitation Project - Bandon Angling Association (€8,399)

Donegal

  • Buncrana - Feasibility study for habitat enhancement and angling access on the Crana River - Buncrana Anglers Association (€2,000)
  • Tully, Dungloe - Tully Boatshed, for angling boat repair and storage - Rosses Anglers Association (€21,492)
  • Gweebarra, Coolvoy, Doochary - Salmon fishing enhancement project - Gweebarra Fishing Club (€4,000)
  • Dunfanaghy, Sessiagh and Purt Lakes - Replacement lake boats to improve angling access - Dunfanaghy Angling Association (€6,575)
  • Lough Keel, Skerry, Kilmacrennan - Angling boats to improve access to angling - The Letterkenny & District Anglers Association (€5,684)
  • Loughanure, Anangry - Wheelchair/Less-Abled lake access - Loughanure Anglers (€11,269)
  • Bunagee Pier, Culdaff - Junior Sea Angling Taster Sessions - Culdaff Sea Angling Club (€4,275)
  • Owencarrow River, Glen Lough and Lough Natooey, Creeslough - Development Plan 2014-18 for Angling, Tourism and Conservation on the Creeslough Fisheries - Creeslough & District Angling Association (€223,750)
  • Ray River, Carrowcanon, Falcaragh - Ray River habitat rehabilitation project - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€27,000)
  • Marketing & Promotion of Game & Sea Angling in Donegal by the Donegal Angling Tourism Alliance (DATA) - Creeslough & District Angling Association (€24,638)
  • Crolly River, Gweedore - Crolly River Habitat Restoration and Improvement - Crolly Angling Association (€5,760)

Dublin

  • Royal Canal & Grand Canal - Expansion of summer youth angling programme - Finglas Youth Resource Centre (€5,988)
  • Straffan to Celbridge Fishery, Co Kildare - Feasibility report on the Straffan to Celbridge Fishery - Dublin Trout Anglers’ Association (€2,000)
  • Marketing and promotional events to grow angling club membership - Dublin Trout Anglers Association (€1,300)

Galway

  • Calla, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe - Disabillity carpark and access point and new permanent fishing stand - Kilconnell Community Development Association Ltd (€6,810)
  • Owenglin River, Couravoughill, Clifden - Improvement of Owenglin river access walkway - Clifden Trout Anglers Association (€19,530)
  • Tuam - Angling equipment to develop youth angling - Outdoor Ranger Ltd (€2,000)
  • Leenane public carpark - Fisheries species, habitat and angling information signage - Leenane Development Association (€122)
  • Bundorragha River, Bundorragha, Whin Pool, Leenane; Finlough Weed Control, Delphi, Leenane - Angling Access Delphi Fishery - Delphi Fishery Ltd (€1,614)
  • Clare River south bank from Claregalway village in the townland of Lakeview to the most easterly point of the townland of Lydacan - Clare River angler access from Claregalway to Gortatleva (Phase 1) - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€7,888)
  • Dawros River, Kylemore, Letterfrack, Connemara - Kylemore Abbey Angling Access Programme - Kylemore Abbey & Gardens Ltd (€19,881)
  • Annaghdown; Ballindiff; Commercial boat club, Galway City; Collinamuuck; Cornamona; Cong, Co Mayo; Oughterard; Moycullen; Headford; Kilbeg; Cross, Co Mayo - Fisheries enhancement and angling access project - Lough Corrib Angling Trout Federation (€3,517)
  • Abbert River, Monivea - Tiquin Area - Abbert River Spawning & Habitat Regeneration - Cairde Na Chlair (€56,685)
  • Baurisheen, Oughterard - Purchase of boats to improve angler access - Kevin Molloy Boat Hire (€4,375)
  • Kilroe (Cahermorris) River, Kilroe, Annaghdown - Fencing & in-stream development - Annaghdown Angling Club (€3,026)
  • Bunownen River, Glencroff area and Leenane - West of Leenane Invasive Species Survey and Management Plan - Forum Connemara CLG (€1,837)
  • Carrick Shore, Clonbur - Angling boats to improve angler access - Hugh O'Donnell (€4,000)
  • River Bunowen - Rock ramp on River Bunowen, Ahascragh - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€120,000)
  • Lough Corrib, Glann, Oughterard - Angling boats to improve angler access - Lough Corrib Boats (€7,500)
  • Glencorbet, Kylemore - Kylemore Riverbank and spawning bed restoration project - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€10,238)
  • Bealanabrack River, Kilmilken, Maam - Riparian management, Bealanabrack - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€4,400)

Kerry

  • Big River, Tralee - Big River Habitat Improvement Scheme - Kerry County Council (€12,335)
  • River Feale, Triereragh, Duagh, Listowel - Access road, car park and disabled angling stands and box type bridge and guard rails - Daniel O Donoghue (€22,000)
  • River Feale, Triereragh, Duagh - Feasibility study, environmental impact study and document preparation into the improving access to angling for disabled persons - Daniel O Donoghue (€4,373)
  • Dungeel, Gortnascarry, Ballymalis and Beaufort - Walkways Stiles and Bridges Roadways and Carpark Improvements - Laune Salmon and Trout Anglers' Association (€2,033)
  • Various beaches and public bridges and piers - Youth angling development project - Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (€7,470)
  • River Laune, Killorglin - Angling equipment for pilot youth angling development programme - Caragh Bridge Angling Club (€1,012)

Kildare

  • Kellyville Lake, Ballintubbert, Co Laois - Feasibility Study on water levels in Kellyville Lake in Laois by Kildare-based club - Athy & District Anglers Club (€6,300)

Leitrim

  • Angling Marketing Guide: Discover Angling in Leitrim - Leitrim Integrated Development Company CLG (€1,197)

Limerick

  • River Loobagh, Kilmallick - Invasive species identification and Management Program in the Ballyhoura Catchment area - Ballyhoura Development CLG (€667)

Longford

  • Lough Leebeen, Rathmore, Aughnacliffe - Provision of a public toilet for the use of anglers in Leebeen Park, Aughnacliffe - Leebeen Park Development Ltd (€9,072)
  • Lanesborough - Equipment for youth angling initiative - St. Mel's College Angling Club (€800)
  • Lakes in and surrounding areas of Longford - Small easy to manage boat for less able persons to access angling - Melview Lodge (€3,143)

Louth

River Dee, Cappogue, on Drumcar Weir - Dee Fish Counter Project 2017 - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€31,467)

River Boyne, Boyne Valley - Boyne Valley Fishing Guides website enhancement - Boyne Valley Fishing Guides (€1,950)

Mayo

  • Altnabrocky River, Bellacorrick - Protection of further spawning areas & bank reinforcement - R Hewat (GlenAlt Syndicate) (€15,000)
  • River Erriff, townland of Glennacally - Erriff bank protection/ Western Way walk 2017 - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€23,383)
  • River Moy at Tawnaghbeg, Straide, Foxford and four other locations - Tourist and Angler Information Maps - East Mayo Anglers Association (€5,763)
  • Lough Corrib, Cong - Replacement of timber walkway and redevelopment of The Roach Pond, Cong - Cong and District Anglers Association (€7,380)
  • River Moy, Laghtmacdurkan & Ardhoom Tds, Meelick, Swinford - Erecting/Replacement of stiles and footbridges along club waters of the River Moy - East Mayo Anglers Association (€4,059.08)
  • Erriff River, Letterass, Kilbride - Development of angling access and walk way facilities at Aasleigh Falls - Mayo County Council (€12,500)
  • Cuilbaun, Tawnaghbeg, Straide, Foxford - Disabled Anglers Facility - East Mayo Anglers Association (€154,087)
  • Newport Quay and Clew Bay - Equipment for training novice sea anglers - Newport Sea Angling Club (€1,103)
  • Cushlough, Ballinrobe - Car park resurfacing and parking alignment & security fencing - Ballinrobe and District Anglers Association (€21,263)
  • Carrowniskey River, Carrowniskey, Louisburgh - Riverbank regeneration, Carrowniskey - Anthony Jordan (€529)
  • Louisburgh - Carrownisky River Rehabilitation Project - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€9,080)
  • Owenmore River, Drummin East - Owenmore (Drummin East) Bank Rehabilitation Project - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€6,150)
  • Fish Counter replacement - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€31,467)
  • Glenummera, Teevnabinnia - Bank reinstatement and rehabilitation of the Glenummera River, which is one of the main spawning tributaries of Delphi Fishery for wild salmon and sea trout - Delphi Fishery Ltd (€15,000)

Meath

  • Kells Blackwater, from Lough Ramor, Co Cavan to Headford Bridge, Kells - Tourist/Visitor mapping and pamphlet design and production - Kells Anglers Association (€1,580)
  • River Boyne, Ballybatter, Balreask New and Balreask Old, Navan - Fisheries enhancement project - Navan Anglers (€7,740)
  • Trimblestown and Boycestown - Installation of fencing, drinkers, deflectors, top up gravel shoals, bank protection works etc - Trim Athboy Angling Association (€15,000)
  • River Deel, Grange Beg, Killucan, Westmeath - Deel habitat enhancement - Boyne Catchment Angling Association (€15,000)
  • Kells Blackwater, Carnaros - Hartion's Bridge - Instream habitat enhancement works - Kells Anglers Association (€15,000)
  • River Boyne, Athlumney, Navan - Spawning gravel - Navan Anglers (€4,920)

Monaghan

  • Lough Muckno (Fane Catchment) Concra, Castleblayney - Develop Angling Access at South Lodge, Lough Muckno - Monaghan Co Council (€111,369)
  • Anny Shore, Lough White, Anny - Resurfacing of existing access road and carpark - Monaghan Co Council (€20,549)
  • Lisgillan, White Lake, Cremorne, Co Monaghan - Improvement of access road and carpark - Monaghan Co Council (€29,206)
  • South Shore, Lough Major, Ballybay - Improve access to the fishing stands - Monaghan Co Council (€1,706)
  • Knappagh Water, Lacken, Cortubber - Upgrading and providing new fishing infrastructure - Bawn Area Community Group Limited (€15,270)

Offaly

  • Tullamore River, Tullamore - Feasibility study of the Tullamore River - Offaly County Council (€2,000)

Roscommon

  • Grange Lake, Strokestown - Angling equipment to develop tourism & access to Strokestown lakes - Grange Lodge (€4,467)
  • Shannon River, Lackan Td, Kilteevan - Portrunny Slipway, Lough Ree - Roscommon County Council (€50,000)
  • Frances River (Suck catchment), Castlerea - Fisheries enhancement on the Frances River, Castlrea - Castlerea Town Trust (€24,601)
  • Bealnamullia, Cuilleen & Ardgawna townlands, Monksland, Athlone - Cross River Walkway - Roscommon County Council (€50,000)
  • River Shannon - Quayside wall, Ballyleague & various locations at Lough Ree - Feasibility study for a new angling centre, boat and tourism facility - Lough Ree Angling Hub (€935)
  • Cavetown Croghan, Boyle - Cavetown Angling Renewal/Development: Reinstate fishing stands, erection of foot stileriparian zone improvement, fish passage improvement, spawning enhancement and provision of in stream structures - Cavetown Residents Developments Company (€98,144)
  • Portrunny, Fearragh, Ballymurray - Portrunny Aquatic Biodiversity Sign - Portrun Development Association CLG (€1,728)

Sligo

  • Bellanascarrow Lake, Lavally, Ballymote - Upgrade of access for mobility impaired anglers and enhancement to existing angling facilities - Ballymote & District Angling Club (€17,374)
  • Western end Lough Gill at Aughamore Far - Replacement jetty structure Aghamore Far, Lough Gill - Sligo Anglers Association (€15,456)
  • The falls and ladders Ballisodare fishery, Ballisodare - Part funding of fisheries angling access development project - ballisodare fishing club ltd (€20,000)
  • River Easkey, Dromore West - Habitat enhancement and angler access improvement - River Easkey Angling Club (€13,500)
  • Duff River, Bunduff - Duff River Angling Access Path - Sligo County Council (€40,312)
  • Lough Gill, Hazelwood Demesne Td, Calry - Restoration of breakwater, silt removal of semi enclosed area and boat slip clearance. - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€6,089)
  • Garavogue River, Cleveragh Demesne - Assessment of the potential environmental impact for the installation of four accessible angling stands on Garavogue River - Sligo County Council (€2,000)

Tipperary

  • River Anner - River enhancement and restoration programme on River Anner - Clonmel Tourism CE (€32,000)
  • Glengoole, Thurles - Lough Doire Bhile, Tree planting to improve shelter for anglers in open area - Sliabh Ardagh Rural Development CLG (€6,797)

Tyrone

  • Blackwater (main channel) from Ballagh Bridge to Favour Royal - Feasibility study to develop access to southern bank of Northern Blackwater - River Blackwater Catchment Trust (€5,000)

Waterford

  • Knockaderry Reservoir, Kilmeaden - Replacement of angling boats - Waterford City and County Trout Anglers Association (€9,850)
  • River Blackwater, Salterbridge, Cappoquin - Repair and improve access to stream deflector - Cappoquin Salmon and Trout Anglers Association (€27,236)

Westmeath

  • Tudenham Stream, Rochfort Demense, Mullingar - Tudenham Stream enhancement - Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association (€10,509)
  • Kilpatrick, Hopestown, Mullingar - Kilpatrick Stream enhancement - Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association (€13,939)
  • Mid Shannon and nearby lakes and waterways - Angling marketing material for Athlone.ie - Westmeath County Council (€2,000)
  • Tullaghan, Lough Owel, Mullingar - Jeep & trailer parking to increase angling access at Tullaghan, Lough Owel, Mullingar - Westmeath County Council (€24,372)
  • Lough Derravagh, Dunore Shore, Multyfarnham - Boat slip improvement and jetty - Lough Derravargh Angling Club (€39,800)

Wicklow

  • River Vartry, Ashford - River Vartry rehabilitation: Tree pruning and invasive species removal - River Vartry Protection Society (€13,025)
  • Arklow Harbour - Sea angling access ladders upgrade in Arklow Harbour - Wicklow County Council (€10,267)
  • Angling equipment to assist local community groups in providing their students and clients with access to supervised angling activities - Fishing Futures c/o Wicklow Travellers Group (€1,630)
  • Wicklow Harbour - Sea angling access ladders upgrade in Wicklow Harbour - Wicklow County Council (€10,267)
  • Bray Harbour - Sea angling access ladders upgrade in Bray Harbour - Wicklow County Council (€10,267)

Nationwide

  • Possible filming locations are as follows: Spring time roach fishing - River Shannon, Portumna; Bream fishing in Ireland - Timplehouse lake, Ballymote, Co Sligo; Hybrids fishing on the feeder - Garadice lake, Co. Leitrim; Pole fishing in Ireland - River Inny or River Shannon; Canal Fishing in Ireland, Grand Canal - Promotional Angling Videos - Cathal Hughes Angling (€1,875)
  • Dublin Angling Initiative (covering Louth, Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, Kildare) - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€70,062)
  • Dublin Angling Initiative angling equipment - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€8,057)
  • Atlas of Big Fish in Ireland - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€35,603)
  • Youth Angling Development - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€80,259)
  • Pop up pond - bring angling to the people - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€1,100)
  • Angling simulator for introduction to youth angling - Inland Fisheries Ireland (€2,000)
Published in Angling

#MarineScience - Marine Minister Michael Creed has announced the awarding of €3.3 million grant funding through the Marine Institute to research projects in specialist marine equipment and ocean law.

Some 19 funding grants in total have been made in the area of specialist marine equipment and small infrastructure, totalling more than €2.5 million.

The Higher Education Institutes (HEI) sector will receive 14 of these grants with five being granted to industry-led proposals (SMEs). The funding grants range from €20,000 to €200,000, with industry being funded at 75 per cent — meaning that these will also leverage private investment in specialist marine equipment for research and innovation development.

The ocean law and marine governance grant is being made to a partnership project between the MaREI Centre and University College of Cork School of Law. The funding amounts to €800,000 and will run over four years, employing three researchers with contributions from 12 MaREI and five UCC School of Law staff.

More than 20 researchers attended the announcement of the grants yesterday (Wednesday 22 November) in Dublin city centre.

“I’m delighted to announce these funding grants which herald the next step forward for many new projects in our marine sector,” said Minister Creed. “The funding for marine research equipment helps to target a gap in funding that exists between supports available to Higher Education Institutes via HEA and support from Ireland’s development agencies such as SFI and Enterprise Ireland.

“These grants will allow the marine research and innovation community to purchase specialist equipment needed to support their current and future research activities.”

Peter Heffernan, CEO of the Marine Institute, said the funding grants would enable pioneering marine research projects to develop in decades to come.

“The ocean law and marine governance grant marks a very important step in investing further in the area of marine law and governance,” he said.

“During the development of the National Marine Research and Innovation Strategy, it was indicated that this important research area should be supported and the Marine Institute, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Foreign Affairs were consulted and a call was launched for a project-based funding grant.

“We are delighted that the MaREI Centre and UCC School of Law will be collaborating on this project which is called Navigate and will be led and co-ordinated by Dr Anne Marie O’Hagan, a senior post-doctoral research fellow in the Marine and Coastal Governance Group in the MaREI Centre.”

Published in Marine Science
Page 5 of 9

About the Irish Navy

The Navy maintains a constant presence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout Ireland’s enormous and rich maritime jurisdiction, upholding Ireland’s sovereign rights. The Naval Service is tasked with a variety of roles including defending territorial seas, deterring intrusive or aggressive acts, conducting maritime surveillance, maintaining an armed naval presence, ensuring right of passage, protecting marine assets, countering port blockades; people or arms smuggling, illegal drugs interdiction, and providing the primary diving team in the State.

The Service supports Army operations in the littoral and by sealift, has undertaken supply and reconnaissance missions to overseas peace support operations and participates in foreign visits all over the world in support of Irish Trade and Diplomacy.  The eight ships of the Naval Service are flexible and adaptable State assets. Although relatively small when compared to their international counterparts and the environment within which they operate, their patrol outputs have outperformed international norms.

The Irish Naval Service Fleet

The Naval Service is the State's principal seagoing agency. The Naval Service operates jointly with the Army and Air Corps.

The fleet comprises one Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), two Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and two Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV). Each vessel is equipped with state of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.

LÉ EITHNE P31

LE Eithne was built in Verlome Dockyard in Cork and was commissioned into service in 1984. She patrols the Irish EEZ and over the years she has completed numerous foreign deployments.

Type Helicopter Patrol Vessel
Length 80.0m
Beam 12m
Draught 4.3m
Main Engines 2 X Ruston 12RKC Diesels6, 800 HP2 Shafts
Speed 18 knots
Range 7000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 55 (6 Officers)
Commissioned 7 December 1984

LÉ ORLA P41

L.É. Orla was formerly the HMS SWIFT a British Royal Navy patrol vessel stationed in the waters of Hong Kong. She was purchased by the Irish State in 1988. She scored a notable operational success in 1993 when she conducted the biggest drug seizure in the history of the state at the time, with her interception and boarding at sea of the 65ft ketch, Brime.

Type Coastal Patrol Vessel
Length 62.6m
Beam 10m
Draught 2.7m
Main Engines 2 X Crossley SEMT- Pielstick Diesels 14,400 HP 2 Shafts
Speed 25 + Knots
Range 2500 Nautical Miles @ 17 knots
Crew 39 (5 Officers)

LÉ CIARA P42

L.É. Ciara was formerly the HMS SWALLOW a British Royal Navy patrol vessel stationed in the waters of Hong Kong. She was purchased by the Irish State in 1988. She scored a notable operational success in Nov 1999 when she conducted the second biggest drug seizure in the history of the state at that time, with her interception and boarding at sea of MV POSIDONIA of the south-west coast of Ireland.

Type Coastal Patrol Vessel
Length 62.6m
Beam 10m
Draught 2.7m
Main Engines 2 X Crossley SEMT- Pielstick Diesels 14,400 HP 2 Shafts
Speed 25 + Knots
Range 2500 Nautical Miles @ 17 knots
Crew 39 (5 Officers)

LÉ ROISIN P51

L.É. Roisin (the first of the Roisín class of vessel) was built in Appledore Shipyards in the UK for the Naval Service in 2001. She was built to a design that optimises her patrol performance in Irish waters (which are some of the roughest in the world), all year round. For that reason a greater length overall (78.8m) was chosen, giving her a long sleek appearance and allowing the opportunity to improve the conditions on board for her crew.

Type Long Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 78.84m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 X Twin 16 cly V26 Wartsila 26 medium speed Diesels
5000 KW at 1,000 RPM 2 Shafts
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)
Commissioned 18 September 2001

LÉ NIAMH P52

L.É. Niamh (the second of the Róisín class) was built in Appledore Shipyard in the UK for the Naval Service in 2001. She is an improved version of her sister ship, L.É.Roisin

Type Long Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 78.84m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 X Twin 16 cly V26 Wartsila 26 medium speed Diesels
5000 KW at 1,000 RPM 2 Shafts
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)
Commissioned 18 September 2001

LÉ SAMUEL BECKETT P61

LÉ Samuel Beckett is an Offshore Patrol Vessel built and fitted out to the highest international standards in terms of safety, equipment fit, technological innovation and crew comfort. She is also designed to cope with the rigours of the North-East Atlantic.

Type Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 90.0m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 x Wärtsilä diesel engines and Power Take In, 2 x shafts, 10000kw
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)

LÉ JAMES JOYCE P62

LÉ James Joyce is an Offshore Patrol Vessel and represents an updated and lengthened version of the original RÓISÍN Class OPVs which were also designed and built to the Irish Navy specifications by Babcock Marine Appledore and she is truly a state of the art ship. She was commissioned into the naval fleet in September 2015. Since then she has been constantly engaged in Maritime Security and Defence patrolling of the Irish coast. She has also deployed to the Defence Forces mission in the Mediterranean from July to end of September 2016, rescuing 2491 persons and recovering the bodies of 21 deceased

Type Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 90.0m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 x Wärtsilä diesel engines and Power Take In, 2 x shafts, 10000kw
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)

LÉ WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS P63

L.É. William Butler Yeats was commissioned into the naval fleet in October 2016. Since then she has been constantly engaged in Maritime Security and Defence patrolling of the Irish coast. She has also deployed to the Defence Forces mission in the Mediterranean from July to October 2017, rescuing 704 persons and recovering the bodies of three deceased.

Type Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 90.0m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 x Wärtsilä diesel engines and Power Take In, 2 x shafts, 10000kw
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)

LÉ GEORGE BERNARD SHAW P64

LÉ George Bernard Shaw (pennant number P64) is the fourth and final ship of the P60 class vessels built for the Naval Service in Babcock Marine Appledore, Devon. The ship was accepted into State service in October 2018, and, following a military fit-out, commenced Maritime Defence and Security Operations at sea.

Type Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 90.0m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 x Wärtsilä diesel engines and Power Take In, 2 x shafts, 10000kw
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)

Ship information courtesy of the Defence Forces

Irish Navy FAQs

The Naval Service is the Irish State's principal seagoing agency with "a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements". It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles.

The Naval Service is based in Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour, with headquarters in the Defence Forces headquarters in Dublin.

The Naval Service provides the maritime component of the Irish State's defence capabilities and is the State's principal seagoing agency. It "protects Ireland's interests at and from the sea, including lines of communication, fisheries and offshore resources" within the Irish exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Naval Service operates jointly with the Army and Air Corps as part of the Irish defence forces.

The Naval Service was established in 1946, replacing the Marine and Coastwatching Service set up in 1939. It had replaced the Coastal and Marine Service, the State's first marine service after independence, which was disbanded after a year. Its only ship was the Muirchú, formerly the British armed steam yacht Helga, which had been used by the Royal Navy to shell Dublin during the 1916 Rising. In 1938, Britain handed over the three "treaty" ports of Cork harbour, Bere haven and Lough Swilly.

The Naval Service has nine ships - one Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), two Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and two Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV). Each vessel is equipped with State of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.

The ships' names are prefaced with the title of Irish ship or "long Éireannach" (LE). The older ships bear Irish female names - LÉ Eithne, LÉ Orla, LÉ Ciara, LÉ Roisín, and LÉ Niamh. The newer ships, named after male Irish literary figures, are LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce, LÉ William Butler Yeats and LÉ George Bernard Shaw.

Yes. The 76mm Oto Melara medium calibre naval armament is the most powerful weapon in the Naval Services arsenal. The 76mm is "capable of engaging naval targets at a range of up to 17km with a high level of precision, ensuring that the Naval Service can maintain a range advantage over all close-range naval armaments and man-portable weapon systems", according to the Defence Forces.

The Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training (FORST) unit is responsible for the coordination of the fleet needs. Ships are maintained at the Mechanical Engineering and Naval Dockyard Unit at Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour.

The helicopters are designated as airborne from initial notification in 15 minutes during daylight hours, and 45 minutes at night. The aircraft respond to emergencies at sea, on inland waterways, offshore islands and mountains and cover the 32 counties. They can also assist in flooding, major inland emergencies, intra-hospital transfers, pollution, and can transport offshore firefighters and ambulance teams. The Irish Coast Guard volunteers units are expected to achieve a 90 per cent response time of departing from the station house in ten minutes from notification during daylight and 20 minutes at night. They are also expected to achieve a 90 per cent response time to the scene of the incident in less than 60 minutes from notification by day and 75 minutes at night, subject to geographical limitations.

The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service (FOCNS) is Commodore Michael Malone. The head of the Defence Forces is a former Naval Service flag officer, now Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett – appointed in 2015 and the first Naval Service flag officer to hold this senior position. The Flag Officer oversees Naval Operations Command, which is tasked with the conduct of all operations afloat and ashore by the Naval Service including the operations of Naval Service ships. The Naval Operations Command is split into different sections, including Operations HQ and Intelligence and Fishery Section.

The Intelligence and Fishery Section is responsible for Naval Intelligence, the Specialist Navigation centre, the Fishery Protection supervisory and information centre, and the Naval Computer Centre. The Naval Intelligence Cell is responsible for the collection, collation and dissemination of naval intelligence. The Navigation Cell is the naval centre for navigational expertise.

The Fishery Monitoring Centre provides for fishery data collection, collation, analysis and dissemination to the Naval Service and client agencies, including the State's Sea Fisheries Protection Agency. The centre also supervises fishery efforts in the Irish EEZ and provides data for the enhanced effectiveness of fishery protection operations, as part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Naval Computer Centre provides information technology (IT) support service to the Naval Service ashore and afloat.

This headquarters includes specific responsibility for the Executive/Operations Branch duties. The Naval Service Operations Room is a coordination centre for all NS current Operations. The Naval Service Reserve Staff Officer is responsible for the supervision, regulation and training of the reserve. The Diving section is responsible for all aspects of Naval diving and the provision of a diving service to the Naval Service and client agencies. The Ops Security Section is responsible for the coordination of base security and the coordination of all shore-based security parties operating away from the Naval base. The Naval Base Comcen is responsible for the running of a communications service. Boat transport is under the control of Harbour Master Naval Base, who is responsible for the supervision of berthage at the Naval Base and the provision of a boat service, including the civilian manned ferry service from Haulbowline.

Naval Service ships have undertaken trade and supply missions abroad, and personnel have served as peacekeepers with the United Nations. In 2015, Naval Service ships were sent on rotation to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean as part of a bi-lateral arrangement with Italy, known as Operation Pontus. Naval Service and Army medical staff rescued some 18,000 migrants, either pulling people from the sea or taking them off small boats, which were often close to capsizing having been towed into open water and abandoned by smugglers. Irish ships then became deployed as part of EU operations in the Mediterranean, but this ended in March 2019 amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the EU.

Essentially, you have to be Irish, young (less than 32), in good physical and mental health and with normal vision. You must be above 5'2″, and your weight should be in keeping with your age.

Yes, women have been recruited since 1995. One of the first two female cadets, Roberta O'Brien from the Glen of Aherlow in Co Tipperary, became its first female commander in September 2020. Sub Lieutenant Tahlia Britton from Donegal also became the first female diver in the navy's history in the summer of 2020.

A naval cadet enlists for a cadetship to become an officer in the Defence Forces. After successfully completing training at the Naval Service College, a cadet is commissioned into the officer ranks of the Naval Service as a Ensign or Sub Lieutenant.

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign.

The Defence Forces say it is looking for people who have "the ability to plan, prioritise and organise", to "carefully analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions, who have "clear, concise and effective communication skills", and the ability to "motivate others and work with a team". More information is on the 2020 Qualifications Information Leaflet.

When you are 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition, the officer cadet competition is held annually and is the only way for potential candidates to join the Defence Forces to become a Naval Service officer. Candidates undergo psychometric and fitness testing, an interview and a medical exam.
The NMCI was built beside the Naval Service base at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and was the first third-level college in Ireland to be built under the Government's Public-Private Partnership scheme. The public partners are the Naval Service and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and the private partner is Focus Education.
A Naval Service recruit enlists for general service in the "Other Ranks" of the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the initial recruit training course, a recruit passes out as an Ordinary Seaman and will then go onto their branch training course before becoming qualified as an Able Body sailor in the Naval Service.
No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. You need to satisfy the interview board and the recruiting officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.
Recruit training is 18 weeks in duration and is designed to "develop a physically fit, disciplined and motivated person using basic military and naval skills" to "prepare them for further training in the service. Recruits are instilled with the Naval Service ethos and the values of "courage, respect, integrity and loyalty".
On the progression up through the various ranks, an Able Rate will have to complete a number of career courses to provide them with training to develop their skills in a number of areas, such as leadership and management, administration and naval/military skills. The first of these courses is the Naval Service Potential NCO course, followed by the Naval Service Standard NCO course and the Naval Service senior NCO course. This course qualifies successful candidates of Petty officer (or Senior Petty Officer) rank to fill the rank of Chief Petty Officer upwards. The successful candidate may also complete and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership, Management and Naval Studies in partnership with Cork Institute of Technology.
Pay has long been an issue for just the Naval Service, at just over 1,000 personnel. Cadets and recruits are required to join the single public service pension scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme, based on career-average earnings. For current rates of pay, see the Department of Defence website.