Fermanagh's the 'reel' deal when it comes to angling

Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Nelson McCausland today toured Lough Erne to view the vital work carried out by Fisheries Officers in the area.

During the visit the Minister accompanied fisheries protection officers to learn more about the work undertaken to detect and deter illegal fishing. He also viewed an example of fish habitat improvement work, that is undertaken in the rivers in the catchment, and was given a demonstration of how fisheries officers monitor the quantity and quality of fish in the feeder rivers to the Lough.

The Minister said: “Angling is the most popular participation sport in Northern Ireland and makes a significant contribution to our economy through tourism and rural regeneration. Indeed the angling waters of Lough Erne are considered by many to be amongst the finest in Europe and are visited by many thousands of people each year. We must capitalise on this and promote our fantastic angling estate further to encourage more visitors from home and abroad to sample what we have to offer.”

The Minister continued: “Angling provides considerable benefits to health and well being. It can be a social sport or it can offer peace and tranquillity. I want to break down the perception that angling is male dominated and would like to encourage more women to get involved. Senior citizens, young people and disabled people are also encouraged to get involved. These groups are offered rod licence and permit concessions and the fees have not increased since their introduction in 2003.”

The Minister also took the opportunity to visit the new angling stands recently constructed at the Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen. The stands, which are specially designed for those with a disability, will make Lough Erne more accessible for anglers with mobility problems. The stands are a welcome addition to the other equipment available such as a disabled hoist for boat angling.

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