Inland Fisheries Ireland’s (IFI) Sponsorship Programme is awarding €30,000 in supports for 83 angling events and initiatives in 2024.
The programme is a key funding mechanism by IFI to promote sustainable angling tourism in rural areas, while also assisting initiatives for beginner and young anglers.
IFI’s 2024 nationwide sponsorship grants benefit projects throughout Ireland, in counties Carlow, Cavan, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
Young anglers preparing for the IFI-sponsored National Junior Championship run by the Newport Sea Angling club in June 2024
This investment will support 37 coaching events for novice and juvenile anglers, 26 events run by fishing clubs/federations and 12 locally hosted international competitions as well as elite teams competing overseas this year.
Suzanne Campion, IFI’s head of finance and corporate services said: “IFI has allocated €300k in sponsorship supports in the past decade. This has made angling in Ireland more accessible, more sustainable and more attractive to young people and families.
“Based on uptake in previous years, we expect more than 800 overseas anglers to take part in competitions featuring in 2024, with an additional 600 novice anglers expected to try fishing.
Julie (15) and Katie (15) chatting at the IFI-sponsored Newport SAC National Junior Sea Angling Championship in June 2024
“Our annual sponsorship initiative attracts both domestic and overseas angling tourism to rural communities, thus contributing significantly to local economies.
“Angling can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and one beginner’s fishing trip can turn into a lifetime’s recreational pursuit.”
IFI’s allocations also aim to boost elite training pathways, support women’s teams and four youth teams to represent Team Ireland at international events abroad.
IFI sponsorship can include financial support, biosecurity support, equipment loans, staff assistance or a combination as required.
