Minister Ring opens upgraded Clare Lake amenity

PRESS RELEASE - Thursday, 25th February 2016

Minister Ring opens upgraded Clare Lake amenity

The upgraded McMahon Park amenity at Clare Lake in Claremorris, Co Mayo was officially opened by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, TD.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) significantly upgraded the fishing facilities at the lake, with the installation of new floating fishing stands, wheelchair access, upgraded paths and signage, and the provision of disinfection facilities to clean fishing gear and prevent the spread of invasive species. Fencing was also erected to improve safety around the water and to encourage wild plants and trees to flourish around the lake. The work was completed in conjunction with the local Community Employment Scheme and was funded by the Department of the Environment Amenity Fund.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to see this project completed. The angling and walking facilities will have a great impact on local tourism, sport, and recreation. It is a testament to how co-operation between State agencies and local communities can work best, and it is a credit to the town and Mayo.  I would like to see Inland Fisheries Ireland develop many more such projects through their National Strategy for Angling Development, which I fully support.”

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, commented: “Inland Fisheries Ireland has been very pleased to assist the local community in developing this fantastic resource, which can be used as a template for future rural recreation projects around the country. The National Strategy for Angling Development, which was drawn up by IFI, aims to develop the angling resource of Ireland to its maximum potential, and many such projects can be included in the strategy. Dependent on funding, IFI hopes to implement the NSAD over the next few years.”

The work was carried out in consultation with the Clare Lake / McMahon Park Development Committee, representing the local community. The significant improvements to the facilities at Clare Lake have resulted in an increase in anglers using the lake and walkers using the looped walk around the park. The floating pontoons were introduced to provide safer access to the water for young anglers and the looped path to provide a safe and enjoyable walking route for the residents of Claremorris.

Dr Byrne added: “We hope that as a result of this upgrade youth angling in the area will increase and the park will also prove a draw for tourists visiting the area. More than 3,500 people a week are currently using the park for recreation.”

For more information, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie.

ENDS

Further Information:  Suzanne Campion
Head of Business Development
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Anglesea Street,
Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Tel: 052 6180055 Fax: 052 6123971
Email: suzanne.campion@fisheriesireland.ie Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie

Note for Editors:

Photo Captions

• Clare Lake Opening 1 23 Feb 2016: Minister Michael Ring at the opening of new angling facilities at Clare Lake, Claremorris, with staff from Inland Fisheries Ireland and Mayo County Council. (L-R) John Campbell, IFI, Paddy Mahon, Mayo CC, Minister Michael Ring, Ronan Cusack, IFI, Martin Butler, IFI, Liam Gavin, IFI.
• Clare Lake Opening 2 23 Feb 2016: Minister Michael Ring at the opening of new angling facilities at Clare Lake, Claremorris, with members of the Clare Lake / McMahon Park Development Committee.
• Clare Lake Opening 3 23 Feb 2016: Minister Michael Ring at the opening of new angling facilities at Clare Lake, Claremorris, with members of the Clare Lake / McMahon Park Development Committee, as well as staff from Mayo County Council and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

About Clare Lake

Clare Lake in Claremorris, Co Mayo, was formerly polluted and held little attraction for anglers or visitors. Over the last number of years, the local community formed a development committee and in conjunction with Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Forest Service, Mayo County Council and Southwest Mayo Development Company, developed the lake and park into an attractive amenity which features fishing stands, looped walks, seating areas and shelter. The water quality has improved significantly over the last 20 years and the lake now supports good stocks of coarse fish, which provide quality angling for both local anglers and tourists.

About Invasive Species

Non-native invasives are species that have been introduced, generally by human intervention, outside their natural range and whose establishment and spread can threaten native ecosystems. The number of non-native freshwater species recorded in Irish watercourses increased significantly in the 20th century. However, not all non-native species are invasive and current problems are caused by only a small percentage of those species that have been introduced. The presence of a truly invasive species is evidenced by a demonstrable adverse impact on native communities or habitats. Many of the most problematic species present in Ireland today were introduced in the last 20 years and some as recently as 2005. The rate of species introductions is accelerating because of increased international travel and trade.

Inland Fisheries Irelandis a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI promotes, supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling, and develops and advises the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.