Inland Fisheries Ireland, the State agency with responsibility for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats and promotion of angling, has announced funding for projects under its annual sponsorship programme. The programme supports novice or ‘beginner’ anglers and the development of sustainable angling tourism in Ireland, which could grow in popularity, particularly in rural and peripheral areas.
In Galway, sponsorship funding was granted to Connacht Predator Anglers, which held a ‘Let’s Start Fishing’ event on Lough Corrib; Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, which held a ‘Galway Bay Youth Training Day 2021’ in Renville; Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, who will hold the ‘Connaught CAST angling pathway 2021’ coaching programme in Galway.
According to a recent survey by Ipsos MRBI, more than 327,000 adults in Ireland consider themselves anglers. In another survey, undertaken in 2021 by Amárach Research, 18 per cent of adults who had never been fishing before said they were ‘likely’ to try angling in the future.
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Sponsorship Programme received proposals from community groups, clubs, associations and other bodies earlier in the year and a total of €17,450 has now been allocated to 38 projects across the country.
Suzanne Campion, head of business development at Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: “More than 320,000 adults in Ireland already enjoy angling and 18 per cent of those who haven’t tried it before are likely to try it in the future. This demonstrates that there’s significant potential for sustainable angling, which could bring many health and economic benefits to the people of Galway.
“Through Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Sponsorship Programme, we want to encourage people to try angling sustainably and we also want to encourage more beginners, especially girls and women into the sport. The projects that are being supported this year showcase a wide appeal for angling events, coaching and competitions. These projects and initiatives will create a greater awareness of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and the importance of conserving and protecting these precious resources.”
