Inland Fisheries Ireland invites local applications for share of new €2m fund

Inland Fisheries Ireland are holding information workshops for those interested in applying for a share of €2m in funding for angling projects and conservation initiatives.

The nearest workshops are in Athlone Springs Hotel on Thursday September 14 at 7pm; and during the National Ploughing Championships, from Tuesday September 19 to Thursday September 21, at Screggan, Tullamore.

Those who plan to attend the workshops are asked to send a message to funding@fisheriesireland.ie indicating which workshop they will go to along with their names and contact details.

The closing date for applications to Inland Fisheries Ireland's 2017 Funding Call is Friday October 13: see fisheriesireland.ie/funding.

Sean Kyne, TD, Minister with responsibility for Inland Fisheries, said that the funding consists of three separate streams, to help ensure Ireland's fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced.

The Salmon Conservation Fund is to a maximum of €500,000; the Midland Fisheries Fund is €50,000; and the National Strategy for Angling Development Fund (NSAD) is €1,500,000.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is inviting applications from Westmeath and nationwide for funding for projects across a number of areas from fisheries habitat enhancement and sustainable development works to marketing and promotional projects for angling.

Applications are invited from groups, associations, clubs, local authorities or other appropriate bodies looking to improve Ireland's fisheries resource.

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “While the National Strategy for Angling Development funding stream focuses on improving angling access with a view to attracting more domestic and overseas anglers to the pursuit, the Salmon Conservation Fund and Midland Fisheries Fund re-invest the contributions of anglers into valuable initiatives which a view to promoting the recovery of salmon stocks and habitats and supporting sustainable development works in the midlands respectively.”

IFI is inviting applications in the following areas: Fisheries habitat enhancement; Bank side/ shoreline access projects; Angling equipment; Marketing and promotional projects; Funding for undertaking feasibility studies/ environmental reports/ fisheries development plans.