Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring recently opened the enhanced McMahon Park amenity at Clare Lake in Claremorris, Co Mayo.
Fishing facilities at the lake were significantly improved by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in conjunction with the local Community Employment Scheme and funding by the Department of the Environment Amenity Fund.
The upgrade, in consultation with Clare Lake/McMahon Park Development Committee, included the installation of floating fishing stands, wheelchair access, paths and signage, and provision of disinfection facilities to clean fishing gear.
Fencing was also erected to improve safety and to encourage wild plants and trees to flourish around the lake.
“The angling and walking facilities will have a great impact on local tourism, sport and recreation. I would like to see IFI develop many more such projects through their National Strategy for Angling Development, which I fully support,” the Minister said.
Dr Byrne, IFI's chief executive, added: "We hope that as a result of this upgrade, youth angling in the area will increase. More than 3,500 people a week are currently using the park for recreation."
Meanwhile, the deadline for receipt of applications for projects under the Salmon Conservation Fund expires on Thursday, March 31st, 2016.
Qualifying projects include fish passage improvement; spawning enhancement; in-stream structures; bank protection; fencing; riparian zone improvement; removal of invasive species; feasibility and screening for appropriate assessments. Further details are available at fisheriesireland.ie/Salmon-Management/salmon-conservation-fund-application.html.
Annamoe Fishery Following a meeting at Annamoe Trout Fishery last Tuesday, it was decided to hold this year's media angling event on Friday, April 15th, at the Co Wicklow venue.
First spring fish Glenda Powell of Blackwater Salmon Fishery is delighted to announce that Ian Powell has caught the first spring fish of the season on the fishery. The salmon of 2.85kg (6.3lb) was caught and released on Lower Kilmurry at the Jole on a red Flying 'C' spinner. For bookings, contact 087-2351260 or glenda@glendapowellguiding.com.
Drowes salmon Things are starting to liven up on the Drowes with three salmon recorded last week. Johnny McBrearty from Kinlough, Co Leitrim, recorded the first fly-caught salmon of 3.8kg on a size-8 Willie Gunn Double at the tail of the Crooked Pool. Brian McEvoy reported a 3.2kg fish on a Devon Minnow from Briney's and Joe Broderick accounted for a 4.1kg salmon on a Flying 'C' from the Bridge Pool.
First salmon at Rossinver Lough Melvin was quiet over the week with just a few boats out targeting salmon. On Thursday, Melvin Schofield recorded the first salmon for the Rossinver Fishery of 4.5kg trolling off Ward's Point.
No-dig zones at The Gann Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has introduced dig and no-dig zones at The Gann, Pembrokeshire, in order to protect its biodiversity. The Gann is a site of special scientific interest and is used extensively for bait digging.
Recreational digging requires no licence whereas commercial diggers need the land owner’s permission. Problems arise when commercial diggers try and pass themselves off as recreational.
Restricting bait collection through zoning will eventually require a bylaw or statutory instrument to back it up. A voluntary code will be used until bylaws are put in place.
A sign has now been erected to inform bait collectors of the new code and NRW has begun activity monitoring to ensure people are following the new rules.
Asgard talks Pat Murphy continues his intriguing talks on the Asgard at the following locations in March: Wednesday 9th at 8pm, Marine Hotel, Sutton; Tuesday 15th at 7.30pm in the National Maritime Museum, Dún Laoghaire; Friday 18th at 7pm in Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, Limerick; Wednesday 16th/23rd/30th in Findlater's House Restaurant, Howth, and Sunday 27th in Viking Theatre, Clontarf.
Note: The Findlater talk will be combined with a 1914/1916 commemorative dinner. Booking essential at 01-832 4488.
Any organisation interested in a talk, contact Pat at 087-2531341 or patandolivia@hotmail.com.
Deep sea angling Rathmullan Charters in Co Donegal is now taking bookings for 2016. Fully licensed and insured boats can provide deep sea angling, corporate trips and full-day and evening trips. Contact Niall Doherty at 087-0507464, rathmullancharters@eircom.net.
