Inland Fisheries Ireland has recently launched an open call foryouth clubs, community groups, and schools in the greater Dublin area to take part in its fishing programme- the Dublin Angling Initiative.
The project aims to promote, develop and improve angling among children and young people. In 2023 Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is once again looking for interested parties for the summer, autumn and winter months to learn how to fish.
Speaking about the call Brian Beckett, Director of the Eastern River Basin District at IFI said: “In 2022 we took over 600 young people from the Dublin area out fishing. We are asking youth clubs, community groups as well as national and secondary schools to get in touch if they would like to try out a new hobby and learn skills for life.
“As well as learning a new skill there are the additional health and wellbeing benefits of taking part in an outdoor activity and disconnecting from the online world. The initiative introduces young people to the pursuit, giving access to fishing equipment, guidance around how and where to fish, and builds awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving our fisheries resource and its wonderful biodiversity.”
The project offers children and young people of all abilities an opportunity to take fishing lessons, participate in fishing trips, and enjoy family fishing days.
Interested clubs, schools or groups can contact IFI’s DAI co-ordinator, Rory Keatinge, by email rory.keatinge@fisheriesireland.ie or by calling 087 6142906.