- Range of coaching and juvenile events aimed at increasing participation in angling, which well over 320,000 Irish adults already enjoy
- Programmes to promote mental health, initiatives to encourage more women to try angling and International Angling Competitions among successful applicants
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 38 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.
According to a recent survey by Ipsos MRBI, over 327,000 adults in Ireland consider themselves an angler. Now, more than ever, people are discovering the positive effects angling has on mental health and wellbeing, the state agency has said. In another survey, undertaken in 2021 by Amárach Research, some 18% of adults that had never been fishing before said that they are “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, including:
- Fishing programme to promote mental health (North Louth)
The HSE adult mental health services in Dundalk together with the Ladywell Angling Club are developing a fishing programme to promote mental health and wellbeing for those in the North Louth area.
- Introduction to fly-fishing for women (Limerick)
The Irish Ladies Fly-Fishing Association and the Trout Angling Federation of Ireland are hosting a one-day introduction to fly-fishing, aimed specifically at women. The course will be held on Bleach Lough in Limerick, as an introductory day for novice women anglers.
- All Ireland Junior U16 & U21 Boat Competition (Donegal)
The Irish Federation of Sea Angling hosted a boat angling competition for the All-Ireland Junior and Under 21s on Lough Swilly in Donegal earlier this month.
- ‘Let’s Start Fishing’ event (Galway)
Connacht Predator Anglers and the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland are hosting a novice day event on Lough Corrib in Galway, to introduce women and young people to the basics of angling.
Making the announcement today, Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: “More than 320,000 adults in Ireland already enjoy angling and 18% 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 in this country, which could bring many health and economic benefits.”
She added: “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 38 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.”
The full list of events and initiatives receiving support under the 2021 Sponsorship Programme can be seen at www.fisheriesireland.ie
ENDS
Full listing of awarded projects is available here: https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Angling-Information/sponsorship-programme.html#2021-awardees