Canney acclaims new project to improve angling access on River Easkey

Canney acclaims new project to improve angling access on River Easkey

Funding awarded by Inland Fisheries Ireland under National Strategy for Angling Development to River Easkey Angling Association

Wednesday, 23rd of January 2019: A new project on the River Easkey in Sligo which has improved and developed angling access has now been completed. The project, which was delivered by River Easkey Angling Association, received support from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IF) via the National Strategy for Angling Development. The River Easkey is a wild salmon river located on the Wild Atlantic Way, between Sligo and Ballina. 

As part of the newly completed angling project, structures such as footbridges, stiles, and ladders were installed along the river while walkway routes on the banks of the salmon and trout fishery were also improved.  The work took place upstream of the famous Workhouse Bridge as part of the second phase of this project which initially involved similar works downstream of the bridge last year. In total, the project has delivered eight new access points to angling, 13 footbridges ranging from three to four metres in length and five kilometres of improved trail access. 

Sean Canney TD, Minister for responsibility for inland fisheries said “I welcome the continuing efforts of Inland Fisheries Ireland in delivering under the National Strategy for Angling Development in partnership and collaboration with local angling clubs and community groups nationwide.  Inland Fisheries Ireland committed €23,500 in total to support the Easkey project with €10,000 awarded in 2017 and a further €13,500 granted in 2018”. “I also want to congratulate the River Easkey Angling Association on its excellent development ethos.  They are a progressive group that helpfully operates an open policy for holders of a State Salmon License with season and day tickets available for access”, he added.

Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “The River Easkey Angling Association has done fantastic work in developing this area as an angling destination. While completing this project and working closely with our project officers, they have given due diligence to everything from financial and environmental governance to biosecurity considerations ensuring the conservation and protection of this wonderful resource.  Inland Fisheries Ireland is delighted to support their efforts to improve angling access and infrastructure, in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Angling Development. We would like to commend the association on this project and look forward to seeing increased angling activity in the area as a result.”

Alan Spencer, Assistant Secretary of the River Easkey Angling Association said: “This project was made possible as a result of the support from Inland Fisheries Ireland via the National Strategy for Angling Development. The club wishes to thank Inland Fisheries Ireland’s staff for all their help and support during the project ideation and delivery. Finally, the club wishes to express its gratitude to those landowners who kindly permitted the club and its contractor access to the river through their property.”

The National Strategy for Angling Development aims to ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced with a view to ensuring a sustainable habitat and the delivery of the economic, health and recreational benefits which they offer to communities across Ireland. Inland Fisheries Ireland is aiming to grow the angling sector’s socio-economic contribution of €836 million per year by an additional €60 million annually through the strategy. This will be achieved by driving angling participation among domestic and overseas visitors, which in turn is supported by improving access to fishing and developing angling infrastructure.

For more information about Inland Fisheries Ireland, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie .

ENDS

For more information:

Órla Sheils

Communications Manager

Inland Fisheries Ireland

E: orla.sheils@fisheriesireland.ie

T: 01 8848673

 

About Inland Fisheries Ireland

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) 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.