ANGLING NOTES:IN THE WAKE of the recent Government proposal to set up a single National Inland Fisheries Board to replace the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan, has written to the regional fisheries boards' chairmen outlining his plans.
In a letter (seen by The Irish Times), the Minister sets out proposals for the new sector. These include regional structures to be managed as River Basin Districts, as specified in EU (Water Policy) Regulations of 2003, and the creation of a national inland fisheries forum to advise on policies relating to conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of the inland fisheries resource.
Proposals also include the establishment of a standing scientific committee to consult through the national body on all inland fisheries' species. Existing co-operative societies will cease to operate.
A "small, effective implementation group" is to be established, comprising officials from central and regional fisheries boards and chaired by a department official, to develop key features of the new set-up and advise on legislation.
It is envisaged that proposals will be available in December and in place by mid-2009. Existing structures will remain in place until then, according to the Minister.
"Given the nature of the business it is important to stress that the Government is committed to maintaining a strong regional input in managing the national inland fisheries board," stated Mr Ryan.
Assurances were given to staff of the central and regional boards that terms and conditions of employment will not be any less favourable than those currently obtaining. "Indeed staff will be afforded specific statutory protection in this case," the Minister said. It is his intention to bring forward an Order postponing elections to the regional fisheries board.
Sleet, rain and almost zero temperatures failed to curb the enthusiasm of 40 young anglers at the "Angling for All" (AFA) facility in Aughrim, Co Wicklow, last Thursday. The occasion was the annual trout competition organised by Des Chew of the Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI). It was attended by teenagers from youth centres in Dublin.
Staff members from the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB), including angling co-ordinator Ashley Hayden, Anthony Meehan, Oisín Cahal, Maurice Carolan and Chris McGregor (DAI tutor), were on hand to help and encourage the boys and girls in the art of "baiting up" and casting techniques. It wasn't long before bubble floats were bobbing and good-sized rainbows appeared on the bank. Each fish was meas- ured, recorded and returned.
Barry Moules, AFA manager and Aughrim Tidy Town treasurer, tells Angling Notes: "Profits from the lake have greatly subsidised our new community building, bandstand and grass bowling-green. There are not too many grass greens in Ireland," he says. All three overlook the lake in grand style.
The community building is a wonderful asset. "It is a place for the whole community to gather for functions and meetings," he says. The building also has a "thrift" clothes shop that last year raised €25,000. This money has been reinvested in the construction of a bigger and brighter building, which is due for completion next year.
I meet former Irish Times photographer Jack McManus, now public relations officer for Aughrim. "We pride ourselves on our town. We have won almost every tidy-town competition at local, national and international level (as evidenced by an array of plaques in the community building). I would like, in particular, to thank FÁS for their fantastic contribution in this regard," he says.
Because of the horrendous conditions, it became necessary to curtail the three-hour competition, as the youngsters, one by one, returned cold, wet and hungry to the comfort of the fishing lodge. But not before they enjoyed some good sport catching and "losing" a number of trout.
The competition was sponsored by the ERFB and Millard Bros, who donated Shimano rods and reels to every competitor. Millard sales director George Kelly and Des Chew (DAI) presented the prizes.
In first place was Mulhuddart Community Youth Project (Team Two), with three fish, totalling 123cm. The longest fish of 48cm was caught by Darren Donegan from Whitechurch Youth Project.
Rain and wind greeted anglers for the first heat of the Scierra Winter League fly-fishing competition at Annamoe Trout Fisheries in Co Wicklow last Saturday week. However, with water temperatures still high at 11 degrees, trout were lively and eager to sample the colourful array of artificial lures.
Overall winner, with five trout, was Tipperary angler Pat Noonan, who adopted a floating line with sink tip and Twinkle Hares Ear and Dawson Olive lures. Twenty anglers competed and 17 landed a total of 38 trout, all of which were returned safely to the lake. The largest fish of 2kg was caught by Pat Noonan. For details on remaining heats, contact Brian Nally on 086-2598563.