A new Tourism and Recreational Angling Measure (TRAM) was announced in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, last week by the Minister for Marine and Natural Resources, Frank Fahey. More than €30.4 million is provided in the TRAM project as part of the National Development Plan that will run up to 2006.
Following on the heels of the EU-backed programme which approved 190 projects geared towards tourism angling, this new measure will target recreational angling, training, promotion and marketing. "I am anxious these benefits are spread to untapped areas. In particular, I have in mind coarse angling," the Minister said.
The scheme allows for the funding of angling club enhancement projects such as in-stream rehabilitation work, improved access to fisheries and the provision of promotional material.
An assessment committee will evaluate applications within each region and the scheme will be administered by the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) and managed by the relevant regional assemblies.
In a separate development, the Minister confirmed the Government's intention to relocate the CFB from Glasnevin in Dublin to Carrick-on-Shannon. However, given that this process might take two years, the new TRAM unit would be based in Carrick, he said.
When Hooked on the Moy was launched two years ago, the well-researched and beautifully presented magazine quickly became a huge hit with salmon anglers throughout Europe and further afield.
Such was the response that author John Geary, a native of Pontoon (on the banks of the Moy), was prompted to publish a second issue. Advertisements flooded in, a further indication of its popularity, allowing him to offer the latest edition free. To obtain a free copy, send an A4 stamped addressed envelope (92 cent) to John Geary, 41 Northbrook Avenue, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Copies are also available from Rory's, Cleere's and Southside Angling shops in Dublin.
Mid-April and wild brown trout fishing continues to run on one cylinder. Poor weather kept the fish and temperatures down and anglers, in the main, have "kept their powder dry", no doubt awaiting the onset of the mayfly season.
Moher Lough, a put-and-take fishery on the outskirts of Westport, Co Mayo is fishing extremely well at present for brown trout. Inquiries for boats and permits to Michael McDonnell, tel: 098-21638. Another well-stocked lake in Westport is Aille Lough. Boats are available from Edward Mannion, tel: 098-35366.
Correspondence, reports and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 679 1881. Email: angling@irish-times.ie
