#Angling - Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is looking for public feedback via an online survey on its current funding programmes, having awarded over €3.4 million to angling projects and fisheries initiatives in communities nationwide over the past five years.
Current funding channels include the Salmon Conservation Fund and the Midlands Fisheries Fund, which see IFI redistribute income gained from permits and licenses, as well as IFI’s Sponsorship Programme.
IFI is now looking to consult with previous recipients of funding alongside interested parties and potential applicants, on whether the funding programmes are meeting requirements and if there are any changes which could be made to improve them.
Sean Kyne TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Inland fisheries sector, encouraged stakeholders to take part in the online survey.
“The programmes ensure that stakeholders are facilitated and partnered to assist in the strategic development of fisheries and angling developments,” he said, adding that “the angling sector is worth €836 million to Ireland’s economy annually, supporting upwards of 11,000 jobs.”
This month IFI will invite applications for funding for angling access improvement works. These projects should contribute to the delivery of an accessible and sustainable world class inland fisheries and sea angling resource and will form part of the National Strategy for Angling Development.
While this fund will be limited to ‘shovel ready’ projects on the river bank, further funding opportunities for more complex capital projects are likely early in 2017.
The funding survey should take less than five minutes to complete with all participants entered into a draw to win one of three €50 tackle shop vouchers. The survey is open to angling clubs, commercial fishermen, fishery promoters, community and local development groups as well as private individuals.
To find out more information about IFI’s funding programmes and to take the short funding survey, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie/fundingsurvey.
The survey will be live on the IFI website until Tuesday 8 November.
