Pádraic McCormack
Question:111 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the role of the Central Fisheries Board and the Regional Fisheries Boards in the development and promotion of angling tourism. [20274/99]
Written Answers. - Inland Fisheries.
Under the Fisheries Act 1980, the fisheries boards have statutory responsibility to encourage, promote and develop angling for salmon, trout, coarse fish and sea-fish.
Bord Fáilte is the agency with primary responsibility for the international promotion of tourism in Ireland. In practice, however, the fisheries boards work closely with Bord Fáilte in the development and promotion of angling tourism. The fisheries boards undertake a range of promotional activities which has included producing angling literature such as guides, brochures and maps highlighting the good quality game, coarse and sea angling available. Officers of both the central and regional boards attend trade shows abroad from time to time as well as trade shows within the country.
Under the tourism angling measure of the Tourism Operational Programme 1994-1999, a total sum of £18 million was made available for tourism angling. This investment programme is being supported by a specific marketing initiative this year to promote Irish angling abroad. A sum of £400,000 (including £300,000 in European Regional Development Fund funds) was transferred from TAM to fund the programme for 1999 which has been agreed and is being administered by Bord Fáilte in co-operation with the CFB and my Department.