Inland Fisheries Ireland has announced a new funding call for 2019 with three funding schemes now open to angling clubs and community groups.
The funding has been made available for fisheries conservation projects and development projects nationwide through the National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD).
Applications are invited from angling clubs, local development associations, tidy towns and others who may be looking to carry out projects.
The 2019 funding call consists of three schemes.
The NSAD Capital Grants Scheme 2019 (€136,000) is aimed specifically at capital improvement works with grants available to groups and individuals looking to improve angling access and infrastructure in their locality.
The Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund focuses on the protection of both salmon and sea trout. It will fund rehabilitation, protection and conservation projects, all of which must focus on salmon or sea trout. This fund replaces the Salmon Conservation Fund and extends it to include both salmon and sea trout with project values starting from €2,000 for awareness projects. The upper limit of €15,000 has been removed.
The Midlands Fisheries Fund (€50,000) will focus on conservation and rehabilitation projects in the midland fisheries permit area. The fund has been created through contributions from the permit income received via the Midlands Fisheries Group permit area.
Sean Canney, Minister of State with responsibility for the inland fisheries sector, said: “Since the inception of the National Strategy for Angling Development, we have invested €3.4 million in fisheries development, protection and conservation projects across the country.
“Progress is being made in the delivery of projects which support vital fisheries conservation and rehabilitation and which enhance Ireland’s angling offering. The fisheries resource should be enjoyed by all and this funding call today once more will help bring angling to the broader community in a conservation focused manner.”
Suzanne Campion of IFI said it looks forward to working with community groups from application to delivery stage on their projects.
“We are already partnering with over a hundred clubs and associations in the delivery of fisheries projects. The commitment of these groups in making a valuable difference to their locality is inspiring.”
For more information about the 2019 funding call, to download an information booklet and to submit an Expression of Interest, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie/funding.
All applicants must apply through the Expression of Interest, which opens today (Tuesday 16 April), to progress to full application. Full applications may be submitted from Monday 20 May with the closing date for applications on Thursday 20 June.
IFI will be hosting information workshops over the coming weeks for those looking for further information or support with the application process:
- Dublin — Citywest Hotel — Monday 29 April
- Cavan — Cavan Crystal Hotel — Tuesday 30 April
- Donegal — Harvey’s Point — Wednesday 1 May
- Ballina — The Great National Hotel — Thursday 2 May
- Galway — Maldron Hotel, Oranmore — Friday 3 May
- Limerick — Maldron Hotel — Tuesday 7 May
- Tralee — Ballygarry Hotel — Wednesday 8 May
- Cork City — Rochestown Park Hotel — Thursday 9 May
- Kilkenny — Ormonde Hotel — Friday 10 May
