Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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128. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if plans exist to develop sea angling in the west of Ireland, in view of its potential for tourism; the support currently available to new entrants in the sea angling sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16523/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has extensive interaction with the sea angling sector both in the terms of supporting the relevant sea angling Federations and also working directly with providers such as Chartered Skippers. In addition, IFI is working with many local authorities and has communicated with all authorities in relation to their Local Economic and Community Plan to ensure that angling development is included. Examples of initiatives undertaken include working directly with the Northwest Chartered Skippers Association in the development and promotion of the sea angling resource, and in relation the Irish Federation Sea Anglers, which will host the 2015 FIPS-M World Boat Competition which will be held in Bundoran, Co. Donegal in September. This event will see more than 20 countries participating and experiencing Ireland's excellent sea angling facilities. IFI is confident that this event will contribute significantly to the local economy not only during the event but also in the approach and aftermath of the event. IFI is supporting this event to ensure the economic contribution is maximised as well as ensuring that the Irish angling experience is promoted to anglers internationally. A shore angling event held in Dingle in 2013 with 124 participants is estimated to have contributed up to €335,000. to the local economy over a period of 6 days.

In planning for the future, IFI is currently preparing a National Angling Development Plan (NADP) and has undertaken an evaluation of the sea angling product throughout the country, including the west coast. Criteria are being developed which will assist individuals, communities and agencies to identify areas and angling products which can be developed to drive sustainable economic development. The NADP is also being developed with the express purpose of developing our recreational angling resource. It is anticipated that this plan will act as a vehicle to secure funding for the promotion and development of all types of angling including sea angling

I am keenly aware of potential development opportunities in small boat hire business in west coast areas with no existing sea angling offering. There are also opportunities for Sea Angling Guides along the west coast. Charter Boats are in good supply and safety is well managed by the Marine Survey office. Consistent customer service and disabled access areas need also to be addressed. I have asked IFI in the formulation of the National Angling Development Plan to follow up and advise on these issues.