Inland Fisheries Ireland invites applications to the 2020 Sponsorship Programme

Media Release

Inland Fisheries Ireland invites applications to the 2020 Sponsorship Programme

Initiatives which support novice anglers and sustainable angling tourism invited to apply for funding to Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Sponsorship Programme 2020

Wednesday, 29th of January 2020: Inland Fisheries Ireland has launched its Sponsorship Programme for 2020 and is now inviting applications from suitable angling events and initiatives nationwide. The programme, which is one of the funding mechanisms of Inland Fisheries Ireland, awarded funding to 87 angling events and initiatives across the country during 2019, amounting to a total of €30,000 going towards supporting novice anglers and angling tourism.

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “We are delighted to be able to make financial support available once again in 2020 for projects and events which will support novice and junior anglers and help grow sustainable angling tourism. Our aim is to make angling more accessible to everyone by supporting initiatives which help remove barriers to those looking to try fishing or for younger people who already enjoy the pursuit”.

The Sponsorship Programme 2019 supported 45 angling competitions which showcased Ireland’s angling offering and contribution to local economies and over 800 anglers travelled from outside Ireland to participate in these competitions. A total of 37 Coaching/ Juvenile events were aimed at novice and young anglers with a view to increasing participation in the sport and five public awareness events and angling related initiatives were supported during the past year also. In total, over 600 juvenile and novice anglers participated in these initiatives.

Eligible events and categories for 2020 are as follows (in order of priority):

- Large international competitions held in Ireland which showcase Ireland’s angling and contribute to local economies, supporting jobs and businesses. Maximum of €3,000 per event applies.

- Novice angler events & training courses which increase participation in angling including funding of transport hire for participants to facilitate attendance at novice angler events. Minimum of 20 novice angler participants required. Maximum of €500 per event/course applies.

- Information dissemination / initiatives to promote fisheries awareness / conservation and protection of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource / promotion of angling as a key Irish tourism activity e.g. Production of high quality angling promotional videos / seminars / coaching / training / workshops etc. Maximum of €1,000 per event applies.

- Juvenile and minority angling teams representing Ireland at international events both home and abroad. Maximum of €500 per team.

Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Our 2020 Sponsorship Programme will play an important role in driving angling participation among novice and junior anglers. The Inland Fisheries Ireland Sponsorship Programme has awarded €30,000 per year over the past seven years to angling clubs and groups nationwide to help in the delivery of local angling events.

“In addition to supporting those who are casting for the first time, we also have a unique opportunity to inform novice anglers in conservation and protection of our precious wild fisheries. The Sponsorship Programme offers clubs and associations an incentive to engage overseas anglers to visit our renowned wild fisheries and to enjoy fishing here in a conservation focused manner.”

Applications for funding from the Sponsorship Programme are now invited from angling clubs, associations or any local group organising an angling initiative. The programme will remain open for funding applications until the 14th of February 2020 with applications for equipment, staff support and biosecurity assistance available throughout the year.

To find out more and to apply, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie/sponsorship . Awards will be subject to budget availability and adherence to the programme requirements.

ENDS

For media information:

Sadhbh O’Neill

Communications Assistant

Inland Fisheries Ireland

E: sadhbh.oneill@fisheriesireland.ie

T: 01 8842632

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.