Inland Fisheries Ireland launches youth outreach initiative for 2017

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative aims to grow angling participation and help young people discover new hobby

Friday, 19th May 2017: Inland Fisheries Ireland has launched the Dublin Angling Initiative for the 2017 angling season. The initiative which is focused on the Greater Dublin Area, aims to promote, develop and improve angling among young people in target communities. Young people can take part in the initiative through their school, youth groups or community projects.

Last year, over 500 children and young people from the Dublin area participated in the programme which saw them take fishing lessons, join fishing trips and competitions and enjoy family fishing days. They also received environmental talks and lessons around important issues such as conservation, water quality and fisheries protection.

Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “We are officially launching the Dublin Angling Initiative for the 2017 season and we welcome enquiries from interested groups. We already have schools, scout troops and youth projects booked in for fishing lessons and practical field trips during the summer months.

Fishing is something that can be enjoyed at any age and there are many fishing clubs in towns and cities, as well as in rural settings, who are looking for new members. This initiative provides an opportunity to introduce the next generation Ireland’s fisheries resource for recreational and educational purposes in a supportive environment.”

The Dublin Angling Initiative caters for any young person interested in angling, from the complete novice to the more advanced angler with exposure given to each of the different types of fishing. Fishing presentations and tours provide 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 in the programme since its inception over 20 years ago. For further information, contact Oisin Cahill, Dublin Angling Initiative Coordinator at Inland Fisheries Ireland (E: oisin.cahill@fisheriesireland.ie ) or visit www.fisheriesireland.ie . Enquiries are welcome from any groups or individuals interested in the educational programme and availability will be on a first come, first served basis.

Nicky O' Hagan and Matthew McDonald of Whitechurch Youth Group, Rathfarnham enjoying fishing in Milltown with Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative

Nicky O'Hagan and Matthew McDonald of Whitechurch Youth Group, Rathfarnham, enjoying a fishing trip as part of the Dublin Angling Initiative last summer.

ENDS

For media information:

Órla Sheils
Communications Manager
Inland Fisheries Ireland
E: orla.sheils@fisheriesireland.ie
T: 01 8842673

Note to Editors:

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.