Ballinrobe & District Angling Club secured significant project funding from Inland Fisheries Ireland
Ballinrobe and District Angling Club has successfully completed a project which will greatly improve access to a popular angling destination at Cushlough Bay, County Mayo. The project was funded by Inland Fisheries Ireland via the National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD) Fund. The location at Cushlough Bay, off Lough Mask near Ballinrobe is used by domestic and visiting international anglers alike.
The project saw improvement works completed on the angling club’s carpark to make it safe and accessible for anglers. This included resurfacing and realigning of the carpark, as well as the provision of security fencing around the perimeter. The club was awarded €21,263 from Inland Fisheries Ireland to carry out the works which are now complete. The funding was granted in June, after the club completed all their corporate governance requirements, with the project at completion stage just a few weeks later.
Inland Fisheries Ireland granted support under its National Strategy for Angling Development which aims to ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced for the economic value and recreational benefit which they offer to communities across Ireland. The fisheries resource is worth €836 million to the Irish economy annually and supports upwards of 11,000 jobs, often in rural and peripheral communities.
In addition to the funding provided by National Strategy for Angling Development, Ballinrobe & District Trout Anglers Association and the World Cup Trout Fly Championship Committee provided €6,641 to upgrade the slipway as an extra part of the project.
Sean Canney TD, Minister with responsibility for the Inland Fisheries sector said: “Investment in angling access and infrastructure is a key component of the current round of NSAD funding and the Ballinrobe Club has demonstrated that, working in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland and underpinned by significant grant aid, valuable community driven projects will be delivered. The project will be of major benefit to local, visiting and international anglers and will define Cushlough Bay as a top class venue for social and competitive angling and can assist in attracting international events.”
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Accessibility and safety is a priority if our inland fisheries are to be enjoyed by everyone. I am delighted that this project is complete in Ballinrobe at an important angling location which has both recreational and socio economic benefit to the local community. It is a reflection on the commitment of the club to the future of angling in the area and we would like to commend them on their work in delivering this improved amenity to their community.
The significant funding available to date for the National Strategy for Angling Development has been exclusively capital funding and this has appropriately delivered important capital infrastructural and access projects, including the current project, under the investment initiative. Inland Fisheries Ireland is committed to working closely with Minister Canney and his Department in seeking to secure additional funding to support essential habitat enhancement and in-river works for the benefit of the inland fisheries resource as NSAD continues to be rolled out.”
Kevin Egan, Chairperson of Ballinrobe and District Anglers said: “This is an outstanding project which we are delighted to complete. The funding from the National Strategy for Angling Development allowed us to upgrade the parking facility which will be of benefit for local anglers and tourist anglers.”
