50 euro development fund for angling?

Hi all

Just putting this out there to see if anyone has heard of this 50 euro development fund? The ACI seems to be going ahead with this. I heard other organisations are opposed to it.
It’s by all accounts for all anglers but it will be called a development charge, mainly to help promote salmon angling business, this is all well and good as long as we sea anglers get something back from it. You will pay to fish of piers and rocks etc.
So if something like this is going on behind closed door we should all have a say.

Maybe its a thing of nothing like I said don’t know much about it maybe someone here can shine some light on it.

[Doberman]

It’s by all accounts for all anglers but it will be called a development charge, mainly to help promote salmon angling business,

Isnt that taxed already (all sort of fees and licenses) ? Sounds the same for me like the road tax, only small amount of the tax goes on the roads ... and then u still pay the toll fees and they keep making more of them (toll points) just to get money out of ye pockets ... Just to promote where the EU money went ...

Whats next ?
Mackerel license ?
Reel license which is effective already in northern europe ?

To promote SALMON ANGLING in Ireland ? ? ?
Why not to promote mackerel angling in Ireland so ?

You wouldnt like to pay extra road tax just to promote drifting sport to the world, in which Ireland is good ?

Sry too many questions
I just dont get it ...

Last edited by Doberman on Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Link please?

It sounds like the thin edge of the wedge that I've been accused of doom-mongering about in the past. We don't need promotion or development in our sport, we need restoration of fish stocks.

I agree with both of you guys.

As for link don't have one just what has passed me by in conversation like I said I don't know the whole story that's why I was hoping someone here maybe know more.
I don't want to be opening a can of worms here, and if it going to cause a stir Tanglerat just take in down.
But might be interesting to see if anybody in the know, knows more

If there was some fee to be paid for sea angling like done for the fresh water licence and such. will we and when will see any benefits from it. As opening up more shore line, fish stock, right of ways, building reefs, etc etc
Be like everything the money ending up in some fat-cats pocket.

Lads like I said i might be away of the wall here, but if I do here of anything I will be sure to post

something that's landed in my inbox:

ANGLING COUNCIL IRELAND
Draft 1
Recreational Angling Contribution Fund
Martin Mc Enroe Chairman of ACI Subgroup
10/10/2011
An opportunity for improving all recreational angling in Ireland. Anglers contributions are invested in
developing recreational fisheries infrastructure to improve angling opportunities for all
Recreational Angling Contribution Fund
The Angling Council of Ireland (ACI) through its member federations with
over 450 angling clubs from SSTRAI,TAFI, NCFFI, IFSA, and IFPAC, have come
together to draft proposals on setting up an angler contributions fund. It is
proposed that it will be designed and managed by ACI executive anglers in
partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and Department of Marine.
In essence, it will comprise of an investment fund contributed to by all
anglers including tourist anglers and will be used for the development of
angling facilities to improve angling opportunities for all. It will however
provide certain exemptions for children, disabled anglers, old aged
pensioners and those on illness benefit and long-term unemployed.
What will this mean for angling in Ireland?
It will provide much needed capital to progress many angling facility
development projects throughout the country. This will be achieved by
providing developing groups (Contributors) the necessary funding, to plan
develop and complete projects with the assistance of the ACI, IFI and the
other state agencies.
Angling fund contributions received from this fund may be used as seed
capital and attract leader funding. This would provide an excellent
opportunity to advance angling facility development to a level not
experienced in Ireland before.

Anglers will have a direct input in to how the fund is managed

Anglers will have meaningful participation in the assessment and
allocation of funding processes for all projects

Anglers contributions can attract partnership funding opportunities

Anglers can plan, develop and complete angling facility projects in their
own areas.
“Improving all recreational angling opportunities in Ireland”
What is this about and how will it work?
Anglers only pay an investment contribution for improving angling fisheries infrastructure
for the purpose of improving angling opportunities that will benefit them and other tourist
anglers.
Improvement works will include,

Angling Safety Training

Angling safety equipment

Building of styles

Safe Angling platforms including adaptations suitable for disabled anglers, elderly
and children

Riparian zone works to improve access to fisheries, river lake and shoreline

Provision of toilet facilities

Fishing huts

Club storage facilities (Containers Etc).

Drying rooms

Provision of slipways for launch and recovery of small angling boats,

Certified Angling Coaching & Technical Skills courses

Provision of safe car parking for anglers

Angling boats for disabled

Marina developments for small boats

Upkeep and maintenance of facilities

Restocking projects

Provide additional insurance cover for projects

Provide for professional fees if required for projects.
The proposed fund is not to be used to undertake work which does not benefit catching fish
such as saving the pollen, restoring eels, protecting pearl mussels, etc. These are functions
provided by IFI and others.
A portion of the angler’s contribution fund will be given the Angling Council of Ireland on an
annual basis to replace the capitation fee anglers currently pay. This is for use in the general
administration of the organisation.
“All anglers shall contribute to the fund”
Sea, Salmon, Trout, Coarse and Pike
The proposed new system must be based in law and enforced by IFI.
Aims of the Fund
• To improve fisheries angling facilitates infrastructure.
• To provide funding for partnerships opportunities such as Leader Ireland, IFI, Failte
Ireland Waterways Ireland etc.
• To develop systems to utilise the funds in a cost effective way based on anglers
needs.
• To be inclusive and open to all anglers in its operations
How is the proposed contribution to be collected?
This proposed scheme includes the introduction of a computerised card that must be
purchased by all persons using a rod to catch fish. (Similar to bank card)
A structured payment system will be introduced.
Period In State out of State
Adult ( over 18) Youth Adult ( over 18) Youth
3 week 15 5 30 5
1 year 50 10
Period
Old Age Pensioners
over 65 Disabled Anglers
Adult ( over 18) Youth
3 week 8 4 2
1 year 25 12 2
Provisions could be made to allow payment may be made online and at selected outlets.
Fisheries Officers and Appointed Private Water keepers shall have powers to inspect the
angler’s contributions card.
Angling Contribution Salmon and other state permits
The Angling Contribution will be integrated into the present Licence/ permit structure
A single annual card for all State licences/ Permits/ Contributes will be developed
The new system will not interfere with Private Fisheries or Club waters.
The present salmon conservation stamp fund will be integrated into the Contribution Fund
Management of Funds
Recreational Angling Contribution Fund will be collected by IFI and managed by the
Recreational Angling Contribution Fund Partnership. All funds collected through the fund
shall by law be expended on the improvement of fisheries angling infrastructure to improve
angling opportunities for all.
Recreational Angling Contribution Fund Partnership (RACFP) shall be made up of one angling
representative from each of the five federations, Coarse, Sea, Salmon, Pike and Trout. With
two from IFI, one Dept of Marine and two independent (perhaps an Accountant and Project
manager) and an Independent Chair, 11 in all.
This partnership would arrive at decisions on a consensus basis, based on mutual respect
and in a business like fashion.
Information will be made available to all via web site
The RACFP would include projects in the following areas
• In-stream fisheries enhancement and stocking programmes
• Bank-side improvements
• Angler access and facilities
• Recreational and Sport angling education, awareness, and training.
• Research on recreational angling
• Enforcement of compulsory contributions
• Administration of RACFP programme
A system will be developed to ensure that no one angling sector will receive excessive
percentages of the funds and that an even spread of all angling categories will be
maintained.
Each angling sector will set out its objectives, proposed projects and achievements in an
annual report.
RACFP and Investment accountability

Five Year strategy

Annual Investment Plans

Review, monitoring and Annual Reporting
Applications may be made by public and private angling groups,(IFI, State bodies working in
partnership with RACFP) for use of the funds.
RACFP can only allocate or spend the funds available to it from anglers contributions
Annual Contribution Investment Plans
A system will be developed for an annual application and grant scheme which will be agreed
prior to the scheme in general being passed into law.
The scheme will provide for the grant aiding of projects on an annual or multi year basis.
All applications for funding must be based on sound principles and be financially budgeted.
IFI leased Fisheries
Many angling clubs lease fisheries from IFI and over the years, the system has been
haphazard. This system needs to be modernised and made more efficient. It must meet the
needs of angling clubs to ensure security of tenure and active and effective management.
To assist angling clubs and long-term angling development there is a requirement to take on
10 year leases with clear agreed management conditions. Such leases need to be reviewed
annually, and will only be renewed if no serious concerns are raised during reviews. Should
concerns be raised an appeals process will be put in place for speedy resolution of the
concerns.
No fishery will be transferred to another without the process being completed.

Looks like a discussion document from late last year. I wonder what contribution has been made by Sea Angling Reps?

dont think many had an input ,seems like ifi policy supported by one group

dont think many had an input ,seems like ifi policy supported by one group

The ACI is an independent umbrella organisation that various angling federations are members of. It is not IFI. ACI is not one group, it is a number of groups under one umbrella. If this is coming from ACI, and you are a member of one of the member federations, you are perfectly entitled to inquire what your federation's policy is, and if they support it.

FWIW, I think this would be a lot more hassle than its worth, fishery officers have enough to do already without trying to enforce a new tax that's going to be very unpopular. Rod war again anyone?

Promoting and developing something before you can protect it, how does that work?

Fix and restore sea fisheries to some semblance of what I can remember and this angler will gladly pay into a fund, until then b###er off with your half cocked ideas.

Equally don't winge about having too much to do with too little money and a shrunken work force, you have a job that a lot of people with a passion and deep knowledge for and of the marine would give their eye teeth for.

Lastly, there is no joined up policy on the marine from any of the Dept's that have a finger or two in it, nor a whit of a solution regarding fish stocks and marine habitat degradation emanating from the IFSA/ACI.

Having re-entered the sea angling fold in 2007 after many years absence brought about by falling fish stocks I have kept a blog diary, http://www.anirishanglersworld.com/inde ... eflection/, and guess what the decline still goes on, and wait for it that includes a protected species "bass". As a fisheries officer said to me this year, "we apply a three strikes and your out approach to poaching". Why, because they're afraid of repercussions. That's some protection service.

[lastcast]

You can bet that sea anglers would have to pay a disproportionately large amount into the fund (more of them) for a disproportionately small share of the benefits. Most of the money would no doubt be spent on developing game angling (especially salmon fishing) because:

1) Game fisheries have a capital value to the state, and can easily be sold off to the private sector if necessary.

2) Game fisheries provide a revenue to the state from permit and licence fees.

3) Game fisheries can be much more easily regulated by the fisheries protection agencies. (When is the last time you were approached by a fisheries officer whilst out on the rocks or beach?)

4) Whatever we think, game fishing and especially salmon, is generally regarded as the most valuable resource.

5) IFI has just entered into many local agreements with clubs and landowners to take legal ownership of salmon/seatrout fisheries into state hands. It now wants to develop the commercial potential if these fisheries but has no money to do this. Guess where this will come from?

The coastline is vast and any projects which would benefit "the catching of fish" would entail relatively major expenditure, so don't hold your breath waiting for great benefits to your sea angling. IMHO, we WOULD be subsidising the rest, and this needs knocking on the head.

Last edited by lastcast on Sun Jul 22, 2012 11:50 am, edited 2 times in total.

The word sea/anglers does not seemed to be talked about very much in this article.
How much of the below will the sea anglers get. "building of styles" "fishing Huts" "drying rooms" etc etc.
There would need to be a proposal put forward, to show where the money will go, and how it will be spent on a sea anglers behalf.

If it is to improve sea angling, and be fair to both fresh and saltwater angling, I would gladly pay. Bit of work to be done.


Improvement works will include,

Angling Safety Training

Angling safety equipment

Building of styles

Safe Angling platforms including adaptations suitable for disabled anglers, elderly
and children

Riparian zone works to improve access to fisheries, river lake and shoreline

Provision of toilet facilities

Fishing huts

Club storage facilities (Containers Etc).

Drying rooms

Provision of slipways for launch and recovery of small angling boats,

Certified Angling Coaching & Technical Skills courses

Provision of safe car parking for anglers

Angling boats for disabled

Marina developments for small boats

Upkeep and maintenance of facilities

Restocking projects

Provide additional insurance cover for projects

Provide for professional fees if required for projects.

I don't like this bit:

"It is proposed that it will be designed and managed by ACI executive anglers in
partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and Department of Marine."

You can guarantee that it will be controlled by the IFI and the Department of Marine (ie the state) No doubt the "ACI executive anglers" will be carefully chosen and will be outnumbered when it comes to voting rights. Isn't his the way things are done in Ireland? The whole document has been cleverly worded to make all anglers feel that they have a big say in this and make them feel like it is something they should buy into, and not feel bad about when they are forced to stump up. With great respect to some of the posters above, there are many many people who would NOT "gladly pay". There are thousands of people out of work and struggling to make ends meet, especially in places like Donegal where I live, where people cannot just pull another 50 euros out of their back pocket, and many for whom sea angling is one pleasure that they have the freedom to enjoy (and put food on the table) without having to worry too much about the cost.

i can see by the posts that not a lot of info was passed on to the clubs , you can see from the document posted only one group in aci signed it. Another group objected and resigned from aci as a result of this proposal. T A F I. there vis nothing here that is not being done by clubs at present. Pie in the sky proposals to get more tax for private investors to keep locals off rivers with the help of IFI . Benefits for sea anglers a few sops re coaching organised by the same few who proposed this i suppose. Rather fish for free with the kids from the rocks when it suits me . Maybe 100 euro next year , then limited access year after , Need to take a serious look at this before its too late .

i think we can go back a few months to see this viewtopic.php?f=12&t=38877 there was plenty of people who denied that this was leading to us been hit with a rod license or a fee under what ever nice name they dress it up with.again anglers are hit.why not start with a 3 mile ban on all commercial fishing to include prawn and scallop dredging. also put a restock levy on the trawlers.there the ones making a living from the sea not us.i also think you will find this is part of the eu directive that was also denied during the last disscussion.

Improvement works will include,

Angling Safety Training

Angling safety equipment

Building of styles

Safe Angling platforms including adaptations suitable for disabled anglers, elderly
and children

Riparian zone works to improve access to fisheries, river lake and shoreline

Provision of toilet facilities

Fishing huts

Club storage facilities (Containers Etc).

Drying rooms

Provision of slipways for launch and recovery of small angling boats,

Certified Angling Coaching & Technical Skills courses

Provision of safe car parking for anglers

Angling boats for disabled

Marina developments for small boats

Upkeep and maintenance of facilities

Restocking projects

Provide additional insurance cover for projects

Provide for professional fees if required for projects.

So the dead hand of grasping officialdom strikes again. This list is so funny it would make a hospice seem gaudy if it decorated the wall. Still, let's give it the benefit of the doubt and take a look through it, one item at a time.

Angling Safety Training

"If a strange man in a dirty looking raincoat approaches you on a beach and asks you to hold his rod, call the guards!"

Building of styles

Fantastic idea, especially on surf beaches where the flat surface frustrates movement every second of the day.

Safe Angling platforms including adaptations suitable for disabled anglers, elderly
and children

All for this, in principle. Might be an idea to chuck in a few casting tutorials, though, for when the tide goes out, as it does with alarming frequency.

Provision of toilet facilities

Another fantastic idea! I humbly submit that a convenience should be built on that small beach between the the Ballyquin rocks and Helvick head that I fish about once a year. €50 is a small price to pay to save the mortal embarrassment of relieving oneself into the tide when there's no one around to see. I mean come on!

Fishing huts

Not altogether sure what these are. I'm guessing they're like Pizza Huts, only the staff are nicer. Hope they're cheaper, at any rate. Oh, wait ...

Club storage facilities (Containers Etc)

.
Why see your fishing club pals once a fortnight when you can live with them in a nice cosy club storage facility? You, your wife and your kids, everyone else with their wife, their kids--it will be like living in a compound with a cult, except there'll be no religion to spoil it for everyone.

Drying rooms

Not sure what these are, but they sound vaguely salacious. So, I'm in favour.

Provision of slipways for launch and recovery of small angling boats

I was wondering the other day, what is Ireland short of? And it occurred to me immediately that the answer was "slipways for launch and recovery of small angling boats." Honestly, you walk through every harbour the in country and never see one of these. Well spotted, lads.

Certified Angling Coaching & Technical Skills courses

The next time I'm being interviewed, I just know in my black little heart that I'll get the job when they see a certified skill in tying seven different types of knot. I suspect it would be quite the thing to list on a dating website, too..

Upkeep and maintenance of facilities

These would be the toilets again. I guess if you build 'em, you gotta maintain 'em.

Restocking projects

Lateral thinking at its best! Given that this can have no benefit whatsoever for sea anglers, I presume they mean 'stocking' in its sartorial dimension. I, for one, would very much appreciate a nice man to engage in a restocking project on me, especially when I wade too far into the surface and my wellies fill with water.

Provide for professional fees if required for projects

The solicitor, the barrister, their apprentices, their agents one and several, their secretaries, grouse providers, caviare procurers, filo pastry chefs and gutter-gunge removers have all been grossly neglected by the angling community to date. I've been feeling bad about this one for quite a while now; I'm only glad that I can make a contribution, however small, to their upkeep ...

I presume this document would have originally come from the "Salmon and Sea Trout Recreational Anglers of Ireland" ?

I presume this document would have originally come from the "Salmon and Sea Trout Recreational Anglers of Ireland" ?

Yes, the list of "improvement works" reads just like a wish list for the SSTRAI with a few nods in the direction of sea angling to make it appear more "inclusive".

from what i can see you presume correctly but also it seems only one group objected and saw through this for what it is a tax to finance IFI and their cronies in ACI and and in return finance ACI ,Need to talk to our Reps who are silent or unaware of this .

PLEASE STOP IT

I've posted up enough times on this website about the amount of funding the ACI is getting off the Irish Sports Council. http://irishsport.ie/wpress/wp-content/ ... ochure.pdf

It’s about time these bodies that are supposed to speak for anglers got off the gravy train and do something about bringing our funding in line with the income generated from tourism and home grown angling.

Angling in Ireland is a multimillion euro industry yet the people who promote it, the ACI, get pittance from the Sports Council WHY WHY WHY!

Stop posting on why we should fund an industry what is generating millions into the economy and start asking the Government why they are not putting more funding into the angling industry.

Rant over for now

I think your a bit mixed up there ,the ACI dont promote angling IFI are supposed to and Failte Ireland, ACI have a different role which they have stepped outside in this case and have not consulted the anglers which is obvious. Its not for ACI to help screw us.Sports Council should treat all national governing bodies equally and not be treating ACI as the only fishing group as it is only a representative group of some angling and coaching bodies .