#Angling - Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has launched a public consultation in preparation for the development of a National Angling Development Plan (NADP).
It is envisaged that the NADP will provide criteria, support and proposals to ensure the sustainability of Ireland’s angling resource and the continuing sustainable development of that resource to maximise the benefits – both social and economic – to Ireland on a prioritised basis.
Anglers, angling clubs, angling federations, fishery owners, community groups, angling service providers, State agencies and members of the public are being invited to make submissions.
Such submissions may include strategies for the development of angling, physical development projects, novice angler initiatives, evaluation criteria of fisheries status by species/discipline type (ie what makes a good fishery) and angling/fishery support service requirements. Submissions can be formulated on a national, regional or local basis as necessary.
An essential part of IFI's consideration will be how a development plan can be implemented, the resource requirements and how the support of fishery owners, anglers, State bodies and other stakeholders can be garnered so that the sector prospers.
Minister of State Joe McHugh, who has responsibility for the inland fisheries sector, said: “IFI have been tasked to formulate a comprehensive development plan on a national basis, the need for which clearly arises form the most complete study of the sector ever undertaken.
“I want to encourage a consultation process which is inclusive and which embraces angling federations, local authorities and other interested bodies but which also permeates right through to local club and community level.
"This is an opportunity to be heard and to contribute to strategy and policy for a sector than can further underpin development and employment in rural, costal and peripheral communities,” he added.
A recent study of the recreational angling sector in Ireland, carried out by international consultancy company Tourism Development International (TDI) and commissioned by IFI, estimated that recreational angling in Ireland contributes €755 million to the Irish economy annually.
The study showed that direct spending on angling in Ireland amounted to €555 million in 2012, with indirect and induced spending worth an additional €310 million. Following adjustments for imports and displacement, the overall economic impact of recreational angling in Ireland was estimated to be €755 million.
Recreational angling was also found to directly support 10,000 existing Irish jobs, many of which are located in the most peripheral and rural parts of the Irish countryside and along our coastline.
The study found that 406,000 people were involved in recreational angling in Ireland during 2012, with over 150,000 of these travelling from Northern Ireland and overseas.
Over a quarter of a million Irish adults (252,000) held a fishing rod in 2012, with sea angling along with salmon and brown trout angling seen as the most popular categories where domestic anglers are concerned.
The quality of the Irish angling product, the friendliness and hospitality of the Irish people and our outstanding scenery were cited among the principal attractions of Ireland as an international destination for recreational angling. The tourism angling spend is estimated at approximately €280 million on an annual basis.
IFI says the study highlights the need to continue to protect and nurture the inland fisheries resource and grow its potential contribution to the tourism sector in Ireland.
Further information on the consultation is available at www.fisheriesireland.ie. A template for making submissions is also available on the website or alternatively one may be requested from local IFI offices.
Submissions must be made in writing, marked ‘NADP – public consultation’ and addressed to Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest, Dublin 24 or by email to [email protected].
The deadline for receipt of submissions is 3pm on Tuesday 31 March 2015.
