Towards a Policy Framework for Inland Fisheries in Ireland - A Roadmap

Ireland’s inland fisheries are a precious natural resource that forms part of our cultural, environmental and economic identity. Regulation of the inland fisheries sector is essential to enhance and develop the resource and maximise the economic and social return from the sector.

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) is focused on developing a comprehensive and modern policy framework for inland fisheries in Ireland and the first step in achieving this is the publication of ‘Towards a Policy Framework for Inland Fisheries in Ireland - A Roadmap’.

The roadmap forms an important part of the first stage of developing a policy and regulatory framework. It contains information about the inland fisheries sector, and its potential in Ireland, while mapping out the next stages in this policy development.

The new policy framework will be focused, primarily, on conservation and sustainable management and on reimagining our relationship with this national resource. It will also examine how the true economic potential of the sector can be realised.

The roadmap is broadly intended for those who have an interest in angling, fisheries, rural development, biodiversity, natural habitats, water quality, climate action and wider sustainability. Stakeholders could represent a wide range of interests, including, for example, those who participate in angling and inland commercial fishing (individuals and organisations / associations / clubs), rural and coastal communities, environmental NGOs, local authorities, the hospitality sector, and other regulatory bodies.

During the policy development phase, there will be an opportunity to be involved in developing this framework. Anybody who wants to become involved in this process should make contact by email ifpolicy@decc.gov.ie or by post:

Inland Fisheries Division

Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

Elm House

Earlsvale Road

Cavan Town

H12 A8H7

Ireland