#Angling - Over 420 children and young people from the Greater Dublin Area have taken up angling in the past year, according to Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative.
The programme which aims to promote, develop and improve angling in the Dublin area says it has seen significant demand for its services during 2017.
Young people from the areas of Tallaght, Whitechurch, Darndale and Blanchardstown, as well as those participating in inner city youth projects, took part in last year’s programme that saw them take fishing lessons, participate in fishing trips and competitions, and enjoy family fishing days at various community events.
This included two youth events organised in memory of the late Sean McMorrow, who was a member of the Inland Fisheries Trust and who donated funds towards the development of youth angling.
Environmental talks and lessons were also held with many national and secondary schools, with summer project and youth services taking part in the programme during the summer months.
The Dublin Angling Initiative caters for anyone interested in angling, from the complete novice to the more advanced angler, with exposure given to each of the different types of fishing.
Fishing presentations and tours provide an insight into fish, their habitat, conservation measures and education regarding local fishing areas.
The programme has seen thousands of young people participate in the programme since its inception over 20 years ago. The initiative has also been a catalyst for the founding of many fishing clubs by these young people, IFI says.
“The Dublin Angling Initiative offers a great opportunity to our young people to come outdoors and try and catch a fish,” added Brian Beckett, IFI director of the Eastern River Basin District. “We’re delighted to see so many young people out fishing during the summer months.
“Fishing is a hobby that can be enjoyed at any age or ability, in urban and rural settings and it has a wealth of benefits not least of which relate to overall health and well-being. The project provides an opportunity for those who may never have fished before to take up angling and our hope is that, for some, this will become a lifelong hobby.”
IFI chief executive Ciaran Byrne also commented on the importance of introducing young people to Ireland’s unique fisheries resource.
“Building awareness and understanding of the importance of protection and conservation of the resource is a key message of the Dublin Angling Initiative. We hope that these young people will bring this appreciation of the resource with them into later life.”
The Dublin Angling Initiative welcomes enquiries from all groups or individuals interested in its programmes and services. For further information, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie.
