Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

45. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for further funding in 2017 to develop and enhance infrastructure associated with angling (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13689/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department provided €500,000 in funding support for the National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD) in 2016 and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) reviewed applications in respect of a first call for projects based on this funding.  I announced approval for the first €500,000 of investment for 50 community-based projects nationwide in December last.

I have also secured an additional €1.5 million for NSAD investment for this year and further tranches of project funding will be announced in 2017.

In addition, IFI secured funding of €536,000 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 NSAD is the first comprehensive national framework for the development of Ireland’s angling resource. The NSAD has the potential 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. The NSAD aims to develop our angling resource sustainably through balancing the economic, environmental, social and cultural aspects of any development in line with Inland Fisheries Ireland’s responsibilities for the protection, management, conservation and development of Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.