Inland Fisheries Ireland launches new €106,000 accessible fishing facility for wheelchair users in Cork

Amenity at Shepperton Lake, near Skibbereen Co Cork, opens tomorrow, April 1st

Inland Fisheries Ireland has today launched an ‘all abilities’ accessible angling facility in Co Cork to enable wheelchair users to fish safely and conveniently.

The bespoke fishing platform at Shepperton Lake in Co Cork cost €106,000 to construct, and provides access to wheelchair users, and those with reduces mobility, to a section of the popular angling destination - some 3km from Skibbereen.

The initiative was co-funded by Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) and the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Speaking at the opening of the new platform John Twomey Fisheries Inspector with IFI said: “The demand for accessible and safe infrastructure for wheelchair users - and those with reduced mobility- at Shepperton Lake was obvious, and we are looking forward to seeing many anglers enjoy our brand new facility.

“We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the Irish Wheelchair Association on this project, and are very pleased the amenity has been constructed. We can’t wait for the new stand to open tomorrow, and for it to be used by people of all abilities.”

The outdoor facility consists of a long boardwalk and a large accessible steel stand that can cater for up to four wheelchair anglers at a time, a new picnic area, and parking for six vehicles.

IFI today hosted members of the Irish Wheelchair Association in Clonakilty, Co Cork for the official opening of the new amenity, following an extensive programme of works to transform the site to support inclusive angling.

Sinéad Burke, Service Support Officer for the Irish Wheelchair Association said: “Our service users are thrilled with the new fishing podium at Shepperton Lake and will be able to enjoy a long season of fishing from now on.

“Getting out in nature, and having access to a tailor-made resource like this, will be extremely beneficial to the wellbeing of our service users. We would like to thank the incredible team of IFI who went above and beyond to enhance the fishing experience of our service users. We feel very grateful to work in partnership with the team from IFI."

IFI has collaborated with the Irish Wheelchair Association in Clonakilty for the past seven years, and in that period angling day trips to Shepperton Lake have increased in popularity among the latter’s members.

                                                           -ENDS-

Photo caption

Inland Fisheries Ireland opened the new accessible angling facility at Shepperton Lake with members of the Irish Wheelchair Association in Clonakilty today Friday the 31st March 2023. The facility worth €100,000 gives access to wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility to a section of the popular angling destination.

For media queries contact: Sadhbh O’Neill, Communications Assistant, Inland Fisheries Ireland  sadhbh.oneill@fisheriesireland.ie / 087 101 9998

Notes to Editor

The Shepperton Lake project was commenced by Inland Fisheries Ireland in August 2021. The new facility cost approximately €106,000, and a total of €82,000 of this was funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme run by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The lake is managed by IFI and has stocks of native brown trout. It is also restocked with rainbow trout regularly to maintain a high density of stock for angling.  There are also Rudd and Pike present in the lake. 

It’s a popular winter pike angling destination that attracts local and visiting anglers to the area. More information on fishing at the lake can be found via IFI’s angling blog at www.fishinginireland.info/trout/southwest/shepperton/

About Inland Fisheries Ireland (www.fisheriesireland.ie)

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) is the State’s environmental agency responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. IFI operates under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010.  It advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling.