FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR ANGLING PROJECTS

ORGANISERS of angling events and initiatives in County Wicklow can avail of the 2018 sponsorship fund launched by Inland Fisheries Ireland.

In 2017, the fund supported 79 events and initiatives across 19 counties to the tune of €30,000, with a particular focus on those which help grow Ireland’s angling tourism product and support novice anglers.

The fund aims to support large international competitions held in Ireland which showcase the country’s angling offering and contribute to local economies. It also contributes to novice angler events which increase participation in angling among those who want to begin, or who have recently taken up, fishing as a hobby. Finally, it helps initiatives which disseminate information that promote conservation and protection of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource, including seminars, workshops and training. Support from the sponsorship fund can be either financial or resource support from Inland Fisheries Ireland staff members.

Last year, sponsorship was awarded to two Garden County projects, including an introduction to sea angling from a boat organised by the Leinster Council and Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, which organised a coaching programme in Greystones in July. A training programme on practical demonstrations in casting, bait presentation and tackle assembly was also delivered by trained Angling Council of Ireland coaches in May of last year at Greystones beach.

Applications for funding from the Inland Fisheries Ireland Sponsorship Fund can be made online at www.fisheriesireland.ie.

The closing date for applications is Monday, January 22.