Angling to stimulate economic development in Leitrim as Ballinamore/Carrigallen area receives €100,000 for fishing facility
Angling to stimulate economic development in Leitrim as Ballinamore/Carrigallen area receives €100,000 for fishing facility
- Leitrim County Council secures development funding with support from Inland Fisheries Ireland
Tuesday, 29th November 2016: Ballinamore in Leitrim has been awarded €100,000 to assist in the development of an angling facility as a result of a funding submission from Leitrim County Council with support from Inland Fisheries Ireland. The funding from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs under the REDZ (Rural Economic Development Zone) Initiative aims to stimulate economic development in rural towns and their hinterlands. The angling facility will improve the access to angling in the area and will drive angling visitors to the area.
The angling facility in Ballinamore will include the development of angling infrastructure at Garadice and Kiltybarden Lakes. Both venues are excellent for match angling and currently host the World Pairs Angling Competition. This €100,000 grant will upgrade the facilities at these locations and will draw other national and international competitions to the area. The angling facility will also be accessible to wheelchair users and will have a special area dedicated to youth angling.
The project will cost approximately €125,000 with €100,000 now granted from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs. The rest of the funding will be provided from Inland Fisheries Ireland to the tune of €21,200 with an additional €3,800 from Leitrim County Council. As the Ballinamore and Carrigallen areas are well known angling locations, this facility will assist in building an angling centre of excellence which will attract both domestic and overseas anglers.
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council said: “We are delighted with the approval of the funding for the Rural Economic Development Zone for Ballinamore and Carrigallen area which is focusing on the angling sector. Angling is an extremely important economic driver for this area made possible by the excellent fishing lakes in the locality along with a well-known, international reputation. Ballinamore/Carrigallen has been host to numerous angling competitions such as the World Pairs and the Dutch King of Clubs.
Leitrim County Council looks forward to working with the local trade and Inland Fisheries Ireland in the delivery of this project in the coming months.”
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Our fisheries resource is precious from a recreational and economic viewpoint. We are committed to ensuring that Ireland uses the resource to its best potential in a conservation focused manner and we are delighted to secure this funding for Leitrim. Anglers already enjoy the great fishing and beautiful scenery available at Ballinamore and this facility will make access to angling easier and allow the area to cater for several large and international angling competitions.
Investment in angling development is crucial if we are to help attract visitors to rural areas. We know that angling visitors spend considerable time in an area when they identify with it as an angling destination. Anglers use several services and business in an area when visiting such as accommodation, restaurants, shops as well as boat hire and equipment rental. We look forward to working with our partners, Leitrim County Council and the community in enhancing Ballinamore as a top angling destination.”
The Ballinamore project will form part of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD), the comprehensive national framework for the development of Ireland’s angling resource. The Strategy, developed by Inland Fisheries Ireland in consultation with stakeholders, will deliver a wide-ranging set of investments, innovations and promotions over the coming five years. This will ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced for both their economic value and recreational benefit to the communities and visitors they serve across Ireland. The development of Ballinamore Angling Facility will help sustain and increase the number of anglers and angling competitions, which in turn will generate economic benefits and support jobs.
ENDS
For media information:
- Sinéad Mc Dermott
- Tourism Officer
- Leitrim County Council
- E: smcdermott@leitrimcoco.ie
- T: 071 9623274
- Órla Sheils
- Communications Manager
- Inland Fisheries Ireland
- E: orla.sheils@fisheriesireland.ie
- T: (01) 8842673
About Inland Fisheries Ireland
Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. Inland Fisheries Ireland promotes, supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. Inland Fisheries Ireland also develops policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling and advises the Minister on same.
