Canney welcomes project to improve angling access on River Easkey
A new project on the River Easkey - a wild salmon river located between Sligo and Ballina - that has improved and developed angling access has now been completed.
The project, which was delivered by River Easkey Angling Association, received support from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) via the National Strategy for Angling Development.
As part of the newly completed angling project, structures such as footbridges, stiles and ladders were installed along the river, while walkway routes on the banks of the salmon and trout fishery were also improved.
The work took place upstream of the famous Workhouse Bridge as part of the second phase of the project, which initially involved similar works downstream of the bridge last year.
In total, the project has delivered eight new access points to angling, 13 footbridges ranging from three to four metres in length, and five kilometres of improved trail access.
The Minister of State Sean Canney, who has responsibility for inland fisheries, said: “I want to congratulate the River Easkey Angling Association on its excellent development ethos. Inland Fisheries Ireland committed €23,500 in total to support the project, with €10,000 awarded in 2017 and a further €13,500 granted in 2018.”
Suzanne Campion, head of business development at IFI, added: “The River Easkey Angling Association has done fantastic work in developing this area as an angling destination. While completing this project and working closely with our project officers, they have given due diligence to everything from financial and environmental governance to biosecurity considerations, ensuring the conservation and protection of this wonderful resource.
“Inland Fisheries Ireland is delighted to support their efforts to improve angling access and infrastructure, in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Angling Development. We would like to commend the association on this project and look forward to seeing increased angling activity in the area as a result.”
Alan Spencer, assistant secretary of the River Easkey Angling Association, said the club wished to thank IFI staff for all their help and support during the project ideation and delivery, and express gratitude to those landowners who kindly permitted the club and its contractor access to the river through their property.
The National Strategy for Angling Development aims to ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced with a view to ensuring a sustainable habitat and the delivery of the economic, health and recreational benefits which they offer to communities across Ireland. IFI is aiming to grow the angling sector’s socio-economic contribution of €836 million per year by an additional €60 million annually through the strategy.