Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 16: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the fall in the number of salmon anglers visiting Ireland from overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34868/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The 1990s witnessed the start of a steady decline in visiting overseas anglers, driven by a combination of factors, many of which were outside the control of the industry, such as, changing angling trends in the UK, the aging of the angling population, foot and mouth disease, 9/11, depletion of fish stocks but also the development of other tourism products, such as city breaks, and poorly targeted marketing investment.

Significant research was carried out in 2004 during which key stakeholders were consulted. Issues identified by anglers in the research included:

Lack of information

Concerns regarding the quality of fishing

Difficulty in accessing fishing

Complex licensing requirements and

Declining value for money.

Following this research, an angling strategy was developed and a committee made up of representatives of Fáilte Ireland, the Fisheries Boards, regional tourism interests and Tourism Ireland was set up to implement the strategy.

A cornerstone of the strategy is the promotion of 'Centres of Excellence' that offer the visiting angler an exceptional angling experience. The list of 'Centres of Excellence' will cover all angling disciplines — game, coarse, sea and pike.

These centres have been identified and discussed with angling representative groups and the tourism angling industry. Fáilte Ireland will work with the industry to assist in the promotion of the best available product.

Going forward, the industry needs to focus on strategic marketing of those segments of the market where existing supply can meet expectations and at the same time, working with the various stakeholders such as the Regional Fisheries Boards, Local Authorities and angling clubs to ensure development and maintenance of fish stocks. The Government is currently considering proposals on the management of salmon stocks.

I believe that angling retains the potential to remain an important niche sector for Irish tourism, particularly in more rural parts of the country, and to provide overseas visitors in particular with an enriching experience of Ireland.