National Inland Fisheries Forum – Inaugural Meeting

Press Release, October 21st, 2011

The inaugural meeting of the National Inland Fisheries Forum was held in Athlone on Thursday, October 20th. Dr Ciaran Byrne, the CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), hosted the meeting at which Mr Derek Davis was installed as chairman of the Forum following his appointment by the Minister.

The role of the Forum is to provide advice on general policy issues relevant to the inland fisheries service both from sectoral and geographic perspectives. The Forum, which will meet at least twice annually, is made up of 60 members drawn from various stakeholder groups throughout Ireland. The selection process was conducted by the Public Appointments Service. Membership of the Forum is voluntary and attracts no fees or expenses.

Welcoming the members, Mr Derek Davis, stressed that the Forum provides an important opportunity for stakeholders to participate in the development of policies in respect of our inland fisheries which is a wonderful natural resource. Mr. Davis said “the Forum can influence policies for the protection, management, development and conservation of this valuable resource now and for the generations to come”.

The meeting considered the Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Corporate Plan and dealt with seasonality, a matter of interest to all involved in fisheries, angling, conservation, protection and development. The important and relevant topic(s) of climate change and environment were also discussed.
Acknowledging the experience on the Forum, Dr Ciaran Byrne commented that “a number of you have served as members of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards, some for over 20 years. As members of the Forum you have the opportunity to discuss and advise on the future of inland fisheries in Ireland. IFI looks forward to receiving your considered views on the various issues”.

In a message to the meeting, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Pat Rabbitte, whose Department has responsibility for Inland Fisheries, stated “the Forum will provide the various stakeholders with an opportunity to influence policies on how the resource is managed and developed in the current challenging economic climate and into the future”. The Minister wished the Forum well in its endeavours and pledged his support for the inland fisheries sector. Minister Rabbitte said “Our national inland fisheries resource is an important asset. Stakeholders participating in the Forum have expertise in a wide range of areas including recreational and commercial fisheries, the environment, the hospitality sector and farming. I believe that the Forum will provide a meaningful channel of communication between the stakeholders and management of the inland fisheries resource”. He went on to thank the members for the time and attention they had committed to the Forum, noting that the valuable spirit of volunteerism is alive in the inland fisheries sector.

...ENDS...

Media Enquiries:

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

Notes to the editor:

The National Inland Fisheries Forum has been established in compliance with Section 7(4)(A) of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010. The act provides of the establishment and management of a forum to facilitate stakeholder input into policy formation.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is 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 will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and the sea angling resource. www.fisheriesireland.ie