New angling infrastructure developments unveiled by Minister Naughten

It was a cold Monday morning but the rain held off when Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD  today officially launched new angling developments at ‘The Golden Mile’, Athlone, Co. Westmeath and at Lough Acalla, Kilconnell, Co. Galway.

These works were completed under the National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD) and greatly enhance the angling infrastructure in both counties.

The wheelchair accessible angling structures at Athlone comprise floating fishing stands and a connecting bridge to provide for all-year-round fishing. The development was cognisant of the wider amenity use and the scenic and environmental value of the area.

The total investment in Athlone amounted to €73,000 to build up access causeways, the removal of old wooden structures and the design, manufacture and fitting of three floating angling stands.

Inland Fisheries Ireland worked with the local angling clubs, the relevant statutory agencies and contractors in the design and construction of these new floating platforms.

The works form part of a wider development at the Burgess Park and Meadow’s area, involving Athlone Municipal District, Waterways Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife, ESB Fisheries and Athlone Midlands and District Anglers.

    

Photo: “This investment will play a key role in boosting tourism to the Lakelands Region and ensure our valuable natural resources are protected” – Minister Naughten

At the River Suck, Lough Acalla, development, two large old wooden angling stands were removed and replaced with a fixed concrete catwalk and floating galvanised angling stand. A new path was constructed from a set down area in the existing carpark, providing wheelchair accessibility to the entire structure.

Inland Fisheries Ireland worked with anglers and landowners throughout the project to deliver this key piece of infrastructure at this important trout fishery.

Together with other development works at Emlaghroyan, the total development in this River Suck project was €87,000.

Speaking in Athlone after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Minister Naughten said: “These much needed new developments will add considerably to the angling infrastructure in the upper and mid-Shannon regions, ensuring accessibility for all anglers. This investment will play a key role in boosting tourism to the Lakelands Region and ensure our valuable natural resources are protected.”