Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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308. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the efficiency of the national strategy for angling development. [4753/17]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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309. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the national strategy for angling development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4754/17]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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310. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the national strategy for angling development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4792/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 308 to 310, inclusive, together.

The angling sector contributes €836 million to the Irish economy every year supporting 11,000 Irish jobs, often in rural and peripheral communities where fewer job opportunities are available.

The National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD) is the first comprehensive national framework for the development of our angling resource.  It aims, via investment of some €25 million over the coming years, to increase economic contribution of angling to €932 million per year and increase employment by over 1,800 jobs.  Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is already investigating the full array of potential funding sources.

To date, my Department has provided some €2 million in funding support for the NSAD.  IFI have successfully reviewed project applications and I announced approval for the first €500,000 of investment for 50 community-based projects nationwide in December last.  Further tranches of project funding will be announced in 2017.

In addition, IFI has secured funding of €536,000 for the NSAD from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs under the Action Plan for Rural Development, with which the NSAD is aligned.

The strategy is intended to deliver a wide-ranging set of investments, innovations and promotions over the coming years to deliver considerable benefits in terms of employment, tourism and health and wellbeing, particularly in rural areas.  Effective and sustainable implementation of the NSAD, delivered together with local and national stakeholders, will ensure stability of existing jobs and businesses reliant on angling;and the creation of new jobs as the economic impact of angling grows.

This will ensure that Ireland's fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced for both their economic value and their recreational benefit to the communities and visitors they serve across Ireland.

I note and appreciate the Deputy's attendance at the Inland Fisheries Information Day for Oireachtas members on Wednesday 25^thJanuary and am pleased that he took the opportunity to raise issues directly with IFI. IFI also advise that they would be happy to meet and brief the Deputy on any issue he may wish to discuss.