Inland Fisheries Ireland announces 79 angling initiatives to receive funding
Inland Fisheries Ireland announces 79 angling initiatives to receive funding
Angling initiatives which drive participation rates and benefit local economies receive support through Sponsorship Scheme
Thursday, 23rd March 2017: Inland Fisheries Ireland has announced the recipients of its 2017 Sponsorship Scheme which supports angling events and initiatives across the country. The scheme will support 79 initiatives to the overall tune of €30,000 with a focus on those which help grow Ireland’s angling tourism product and support novice anglers.
This year, Inland Fisheries Ireland Sponsorship Scheme will support:
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19 international angling events which will be held in Ireland
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15 Irish angling teams travelling overseas to international angling events
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28 Coaching/ Juvenile events aimed at novice and young anglers
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16 national angling events held in Ireland for domestic participants
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1 seminar which will help the exchange of information, ideas and practical experiences on fisheries management
The angling groups, located in 19 counties across the country, will be supported through financial aid and where possible, through resource support from Inland Fisheries Ireland staff members. The Sponsorship Scheme was announced in December with applications invited from anglers, angling clubs and organisations nationwide. In total, there were over 100 applications to this year’s fund.
Newport Sea Angling Club’s youngest participant Cian Moran, waiting patiently for his first fish of the day during the 2016 National Junior Competition / Daniel Peacock Memorial supported by Inland Fisheries Ireland's Sponsorship Scheme.
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “We have a unique opportunity in Ireland when it comes to angling as a result of our beautiful landscapes and wild fish populations. This is coupled with a large number of engaged angling groups across the country. We are committed to supporting those groups in helping to increase participation in angling and to position Ireland as a premier national and international angling destination. This will grow the recreational availability and contribution of angling to communities across Ireland and will also support businesses and jobs in rural communities. ”
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s National Strategy for Angling Development aims to increase overseas angling visits from 163,000 in 2015 to 173,000 and increase domestic participation of 273,000 anglers annually by 0.5%. Angling in Ireland is currently worth €836 million to Ireland’s economy annually, supporting upwards of 11,000 jobs. If increase in participation is realised, angling could bring in an additional €53 million annually and support 18,000 jobs.
For more information on the initiatives awarded funding under the 2017 Sponsorship Scheme, visit: http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Angling-Information/sponsorship-programme.html .
ENDS
For media information:
- 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.
