The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Fish trail to net share of tourism market
DETAILS of a new EU funded project aimed at promoting angling tourism in Kerry was launched recently by Munster MEP, Seán Kelly. The new ‘Fish Trail’ project was secured for the county by South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP) and has project partners based in Slovenia, Denmark, Portugal and the UK – countries from which it hopes to attract more anglers.
The project is supported by Kerry County Council and Inland Fisheries Ireland and will involve the input of key angling groups across the county. SKDP Project Manager, Seán de Buitléar, said the aim of the new project is to encourage anglers from the partner countries, and beyond, to visit Kerry for a fishing holiday. The project will also be promoted by a Film and TV Production course run through the Kerry ETB.
“We will develop a series “know how” videos for prospective anglers to provide them with the key knowledge they need to enjoy the many different angling experiences they can find in Kerry,” said SKDP Project Manager, Seán de Buitléar. “Our key goal is to ensure a potential visiting angler knows that there is always somewhere they can go fishing in Kerry, regardless of the conditions.
“We will also undertake a number of marketing and angling development initiatives, including a fishing festival in conjunction with all Kerry partners, linking with our partner regions over the course of the project,” Seán added.
The CEO of SKDP, Noel Spillane, also expressed his delight at having secured another EU funded project for the county.
“SKDP has a strong track record in applying for and securing EU funded projects that have brought many positive benefits to the region over the last number of years and I am sure this project will help develop the potential of angling tourism that exists in Kerry,” Noel said.
Meanwhile, MEP Seán Kelly congratulated SKDP on securing the funding of just over €40,000, citing the significant funding opportunities available through the EU for development projects in Kerry and that projects such as ‘Fish Trail’ have the potential to make a significant contribution to the economic development in Kerry through developing opportunities that exist in areas such as angling tourism.