Shepperton Lake in West Cork goes green
Inland Fisheries Ireland introduces eco-friendly measures for anglers
Shepperton Lake, located near Skibbereen in West Cork, will now be eco-friendly following the introduction of measures to reduce the carbon footprint of anglers fishing the popular Shepperton (Shreelane) fishery. Inland Fisheries Ireland is introducing regulations which will only permit battery powered engines on the lake from the 1st of January 2020.
As part of the eco-friendly measures, Inland Fisheries Ireland is removing its four petrol engines from use at Shepperton. Anglers can now hire one of the recently refurbished boats and bring their own battery-powered engines. This follows similar measures introduced at Ballinlough, Leap which has operated successfully for a number of years. The boat hire at Shepperton Lake, including a one-day fishing permit for up to two anglers, will cost €30.
Sean Long, Director of the South Western River Basin District, said: “This initiative was proposed by the local Inland Fisheries Ireland ‘Green Team’ as a quick and simple measure to reduce carbon emissions. We are pleased to offer this green solution to anglers at the lake while also maintaining the permit price once again this year.”
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s ‘Green Team’ is made up of staff in various locations across the country. It is part of the organisation’s efforts to refocus the philosophy of the organisation in line with the critical nature of climate change and the impact it is having on the fisheries resource. The Green Team work to create solutions which will help the organisation achieve its energy reduction target of 33 per cent by 2020 and devise solutions which will support society in reducing its environmental footprint.
Shreelane in West Cork is a popular winter pike angling destination attracting local and visiting anglers to the area. As shore angling is not permitted, anglers are advised to book a boat locally from Mrs E. Connolly via telephone 028 33328 in advance to avoid disappointment.
