The Boyne Valley Fishery has the potential to exceed £1 million per annum within the next decade, the Minister for Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, said at the publication of the revised edition of the Boyne Valley Fishery brochure in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co Meath, last week.
Benefits to the local economy have grown from £10,000 to £110,000 over the past three years and now account for 1,500 bed nights. This illustrates the value of a high-quality promotion campaign to attract even greater numbers of angling visitors to the area, Dr Woods said.
The brochure, with information supplements in a range of European languages, is an example of professional expertise encompassing all the wonderful qualities of the fishery. Every effort is being made to satisfy the needs of the tourist angler.
The attributes of each river and lake are explained in great detail, and coverage of the eight-mile stretch of coastline is guaranteed to attract the sea angler. It also contains information on tackle dealers, angling tuition, local tourist offices and a map of the region.
In the 1970s a major drainage scheme caused severe damage, and its effects are still being felt today. However, rehabilitation work carried out by the Office of Public Works and Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB) has reversed the downward trend to the extent that the fly is back, the fish are back and the anglers are back.
The late Mr Stephen Monaghan of Navan talked about a management plan for his beloved Boyne. His untimely death 12 years ago meant he did not live to see even the beginning of such a plan, but today we see the beginning, the chairman of the ERFB, Mr Paddy Byrne said.
The co-operation of local angling associations has been a vital ingredient in the success of the fishery. An example of partnership approach manifested itself with the establishment of a "one-stop shop". This facility offers a full range of angling options and an opportunity to purchase permits applicable to specific waters.
Aided by audio-visual, Mr David Byrne, manager of Boyne Fishery, delivered a summary of the progress made and also of his aspirations for the future. The resource is promoted on the basis of rational usage by targeting anglers of the catch-and-release persuasion. This will ensure its long-term viability, he said.
Mr Byrne, seconded from the ERFB to the position of manager in 1997, has succeeded in turning the fishery into a viable worldwide product, and the Minister has extended his contract for a further two years.
A Website ensures exposure on the world stage. The address is: www.fishingireland.net
Youth services which took part in angling courses organised by the Dublin Angling Initiative during the summer were invited to a free competition at the National Disabled Angling Facility at Aughrim, Co Wicklow, last week. Fifty anglers attended.
Twenty-eight rainbow trout were accounted for, and prizes came courtesy of Southside Angling, Gilladeen Tackle, Dublin Angling Initiative and the Aughrim Facility.
Results: (Joint First) - Chris Burns (Tallaght Youth Services) and Dermot Marr (Whitechurch Youth Project). Team Event - S. Masterson, D. Kavanagh, C. Shanley, R. Short and S. Flanagan.
Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 679-1881.