Updated Roadmap for returning to Angling [updated 10 August]

The Government has decided based on NPHET advice that the current public health measures will remain in place, the country will NOT be progressing to Phase 4 of the Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business until 31 August 2020 at the earliest. Inland Fisheries Ireland offers the following information to anglers as a guideline only.  Government advice to stop the spread of coronavirus is BE RESPONSIBLE, BE SAFE.

Anglers can now travel throughout the country without restrictions, apart from local lockdowns that may be in place. However, visiting international anglers should refer to government guidelines on ‘Arriving to Ireland from another country’ for up to date advice.

General Guidance for everyone

• Follow Government protocols and public health guidelines.
• Outdoor gatherings for group exercise up to 200 people.
• Observe physical distancing by keeping at least 2 metres apart.
• Park legally and responsibly if driving to outdoor amenities.
• Respect our emergency services and avoid activities that could potentially lead to emergency call outs.
• Respect the environment, animals & wildlife and dispose of waste properly.
• Travel separately, unless from the same household and visit outdoor areas at off peak times if possible.

It should be noted, any change to the over-arching ‘Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business’ may result in an amendment(s) to this table. Currently, we strongly advise the suspension of all angling competitions involving international competitors. To stay safe, anglers should follow public health guidelines:

Hand Hygiene   Cough Etiquette   Physical Distancing 2m   Equipment Disinfecting (not sharing)   STAY home if you have symptoms

Business Owners can determine when your business may reopen in accordance with the Government’s  ‘Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business’ . The Roadmap gives a list of essential businesses which can reopen in phase 1  and an outline of other businesses which can reopen in subsequent phases.  Once you have determined the phase under which you can reopen your business, please ensure you  adhere to the ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’

Guides and Ghililes

• Refer to Government’s ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’
• Maintain physical distancing at all times.
• Use a dummy rod set up to explain techniques, no sharing of cars or equipment.
• Ensure one person ties all knots, lands all fish and handles their own equipment only.
• Weighing and/or photographing of fish should be carried out with physical distancing.
• All payments should be made electronically where possible.

Charter Boats

• Refer to the Government’s ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’.
• Limit number of passengers to allow for physical distancing, no passengers allowed in wheelhouse
• Provide hand sanitiser and encourage passengers to use it.
• No sharing of equipment. Hire rods should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after use.
• All payments should be made electronically where possible