Inland fisheries Ireland (IFI) provides a significant logistical support for a broad range of angling events each year including international, national, regional and local competitions.
This support is dependent on available resources and the number of events in each year. The event referred to by the Deputy coincides with a long-running major Angling Festival for which IFI support has been sought and given over the years. IFI intend to provide logistical support for both events from its professional fisheries staff.
IFI recognises the importance of the competition and its benefit to the local economy and community. In that regard, IFI has already undertaken that 8 IFI staff members, involving a contribution of some 160 person hours over the five days of the event, will be allocated to assist with the draw each day and biosecurity measures at the two competition venues. IFI will also provide six sets of scales and dipping tanks for disinfection and will supervise same.
This is a significant input from IFI and will underpin the organisation and running of the event.