Tuesday, 8th of June 2021: Dublin Angling Initiative, an education and outreach programme run by Inland Fisheries Ireland, is launching its programme for 2021. The initiative is calling on youth clubs, community groups and schools in the Greater Dublin Area to take part in it’s fishing programme. The Dublin Angling Initiative aims to promote, develop and improve angling among children and young people. In 2021 IFI are looking for interested parties for the Summer, Autumn and Winter months to take part in the programme.

In 2019, over 400 children and young people took part in the fishing programme which 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. The initiative offers children and young people an opportunity to take fishing lessons, participate in fishing trips and enjoy family fishing days.

In addition to practical fishing exercises, we also offer fishing presentations and tours providing an insight into fish, their habitat, conservation measures and education regarding local fishing areas. Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative has seen thousands of young people participate over the past 20 years resulting in the establishment of many new fishing clubs.

Brian Beckett, Inland Fisheries Ireland Director of the Eastern River Basin District said: “We are calling on youth clubs, community groups as well as national and secondary schools who would like to try out a new hobby. Fishing is a pastime which can be enjoyed at any age or ability. The Dublin Angling initiative introduces young people to the pursuit, giving access to fishing equipment, guidance around how and where to fish and builds awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving our fisheries resource and the broader aquatic environment. Along with learning a new skill there are the additional health and wellbeing benefits of taking part in an outdoor activity and disconnecting from the online world. We are opening our call for youth clubs to book in for this year to get an opportunity to take part in this unique initiative.”

The 2021 Dublin Angling Initiative will include coarse, sea and game angling along with educational trips, where Covid-19 public health guidelines allow. Interested groups should contact by email [email protected] or apply here: https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Education-Outreach/dai.html#contact. For more information, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie.

ENDS

About Inland Fisheries Ireland

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication (DECC) and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. Inland Fisheries Ireland promotes supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. Inland Fisheries Ireland also develops policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling and advises the Minister on same.