€1 million in funding for fisheries conservation and angling initiatives granted
Sean Canney TD, Minister with responsibility for inland fisheries, has announced the recipients of €1 million in funding from Inland Fisheries Ireland. The grants will support fisheries conservation, protection and education initiatives and give the public greater access to fishing sites around the country.
The funding has been awarded to 25 projects in 16 counties, alongside two nationwide initiatives, and is made available by Inland Fisheries Ireland under its National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD). Since 2016, the NSAD has supported 128 projects across the country with over two-thirds (69%) of projects completed to date with the remaining projects in progress.
This latest funding is granted through the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (€894,850), NSAD Capital Grants Fund 2019 (€128,300) and the Midlands Fisheries Fund (€15,000). The funding call was oversubscribed with applications from community groups, angling clubs and local authorities all looking to improve and protect their local fisheries resource.
Announcing the fund recipients, Sean Canney TD said: “As Minister with responsibility for inland fisheries, I am delighted to make over €1 million available to projects across the country which will help us conserve, protect and develop a sustainable fisheries resource for all. The range of projects which we are supporting gives an insight into the diverse requirements of the fisheries resource as the demand for funding for fisheries projects continues across the country.
“Some of the projects receiving funding will focus on recovering valuable salmon and sea trout stocks while others will look to build infrastructure which will help those of all abilities access fishing. However, all projects have a commonality in that they will help deliver a sustainable inland fisheries and sea angling resource and in turn, help us realise the economic and social benefits which the fisheries resource offers to communities nationwide.”
Projects to receive funding include:
A research project to examine the potential decline in sea trout numbers in the Currane catchment in Kerry (€187,089).
Conservation works to help improve habitat for salmon on the Oily River, Co. Donegal (€25,176).
Support for the wheelchair accessible Lough Ree Angling Hub in Roscommon which will ensure fishing is accessible to people of all abilities (€50,000).
Support for the third phase of the River Easkey Angling Development Project in Sligo for the provision of stiles and footbridges at 32 fishing locations along the River Easkey (€33,300).
Construction of an approved fish pass to extend salmon migration on the Marty River, Co. Meath (€100,000).
(More detailed information is available in the Notes to Editor Section)
Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “We are already partnering with over a hundred clubs and associations in the delivery of fisheries projects and today’s announcement sees a further investment in the future health of our fisheries resource. Those who were successful in securing funding include fishing clubs, community groups, sports clubs, tourism providers and local authorities. It was great to see recognition of the importance and potential of the resource from so many groups in our society and we look forward to working with them in delivering these projects for their communities.”
