Covid-19 Update for Anglers
Last night’s announcements (Friday 27th March) saw further restrictions put in place by government to reduce the impact of Covid-19 and save lives. Due to the extraordinary times we are now living in I am writing you as a salmon angler to ensure you are up to date with how the current situation affects angling in Ireland.
If you wish to continue to receive these updates and other salmon angling news please subscribe to the Irish Angling Update mailing list.
Covid-19 Notice – Fishery Closures
Effective March 28th, 2020 all IFI managed fisheries
are now closed until further notice.
Many private fisheries and clubs have also closed their waters. Make enquiries directly with fishery owners or clubs.
Covid-19 Angling Guidelines
IFI has received input from the Department of Health in relation to the drafting of these recreational fishing guidelines and wish to advise as follows:
At present there have been no specific restrictions placed on recreational angling under the current Covid-19 guidelines however anybody intending to fish must ensure that they adhere to the latest advice on Covid-19.
All IFI managed fisheries are now closed.
Anglers, angling clubs and fishery owners are advised to adhere to Government and HSE guidelines, to take normal safety precautions when fishing and in relation to Covid-19 should take the following into consideration:
- Leaving home may only be undertaken for brief individual exercise – within 2 kilometres of your house. (You can bring children but must keep 2 metres away from others for social distancing).
- Avoid crowded places
- Reduce social interactions
- Anglers should remain 2 metres apart (roughly one rod length) from each other and other members of the public
- If applicable, anglers should check that the fishery is open in advance of fishing
- Fish only if legally permitted to do so
- Anglers need to be aware that they are in areas that are not routinely disinfected or cleaned and use all precautions to keep themselves and other safe from Covid19
Permits and licences are no longer for sale on-line. IFI approved distributors are recommended to not sell licences or permits on behalf of IFI at this time.
Following the HSE and the Government’s advice in relation to the delay of COVID-19, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has closed all offices. IFI staff are working from home.
At this time the only way to contact IFI is by email and telephone. Contact details are available at the Contact us page of our websites. Office phones are diverted to staff who can deal with your query. Under the circumstances there may be delays in replying to your query.
IFI staff will respond to emergency calls as appropriate.
Licence and permit sales have been suspended and IFI has closed all state managed fisheries.
IFI has a 24 hour confidential hotline 1890 34 24 74 through which members of the public may report incidents of illegal fishing, water pollution and invasive species which will continue to operate. Please be aware that our service provider is experiencing a high volume of calls at this time.
If you do intend to go fishing you should adhere to the guidelines for getting outdoors responsibly published by Leave
No Trace.
You can keep
up to date with all our Covid -19 updates here.
Stay safe at this time.
Yours in angling,
Myles Kelly
