‘High Risk’ of fish kills as water temperatures expected to rise
Press Release
‘High Risk’ of fish kills as water temperatures expected to rise
Press Release Thursday, August 11th 2022
‘High risk’ of fish kills across Ireland as water temperatures expected to rise this week
- Warning from Inland Fisheries Ireland comes as fish population may be under ‘thermal stress’ because air and water temperatures are soaring, but water levels are dipping.
- Water temperatures in excess of 20 degrees Celsius recorded this week on Lough Sheelin in Cavan and Lough Currane in Kerry. Elevated water temperatures increase risk of fish kills.
- Appeal to public to report sightings of fish under thermal stress as anglers asked to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’ during heatwave conditions.
With Met Éireann forecasting a heat wave for large parts of the country, combined with lower-than-average rainfall, Inland Fisheries Ireland is warning that there is a high risk of fish kills due to thermal stress and reduced oxygen levels in lakes and rivers.
Also known as deoxygenation, reduced oxygen levels in a river or lake make it very difficult for fish to breathe and survive.
The state agency, which is responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, is concerned that water levels in many rivers are low and approaching drought conditions. Therefore, it is appealing to anglers, the farming community and the general public to report any sightings of fish under thermal stress, which may be caused by the extreme heat combined with low water levels and other pressures.
Anglers are also being asked to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’ while high temperature warnings from Met Éireann are in place, as these nets may cause unintentional distress to fish. In addition, anglers that practice ‘catch and release’ fishing are asked not to fish during the heat wave where possible, as this may put undue pressure on fish populations.
Dr Gregory Forde, Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland explains: “Unfortunately low water levels and high water temperatures can lead to fish kills, especially as there is less oxygen in the water to allow fish to breathe. Once the water temperature exceeds 20 degrees Celsius, fish species such as salmon and trout suffer ‘thermal stress’. During the current heat wave, air and water temperatures are approaching dangerous levels and fish kills may be unavoidable. In some instances, moving fish in and out of the water may also prove too stressful. That’s why we’re asking anglers practicing catch and release fishing to consider taking a break from fishing while high temperature warnings are in place. We’re also asking anglers to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’, until conditions become more favourable.”
In July, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Office of Public Works’ data buoy* recorded a surface water temperature of 21.84 degrees Celsius at Lough Sheelin in County Cavan, coinciding with the hottest air temperature that month of 30.75 degrees Celsius. Inland Fisheries Ireland notes that significant thermal stress can occur in brown trout and other cold water fish species at temperatures at or above 20 degrees Celsius.
Forde said: “Inland Fisheries Ireland staff are continuously monitoring water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, for any signs of fish suffering thermal stress in shallow water or drying out rivers and streams. We’re encouraging the public to report any sightings of fish suffering thermal stress to our 24-hour confidential hotline on 0818 34 74 24 so we can respond as quickly as possible to help rescue or relocate these fish.”
“It is also a good time to remind all those using pesticides that these should be used only as a last resort, always in accordance with product instructions and always respecting statutory ‘no use’ zones, being mindful at all times of proximity to water bodies such as ditches, streams, ponds, rivers, lakes and springs. Even a very small amount of pesticide can be highly toxic to the aquatic environment,” he added.
To report sightings of fish suffering from thermal stress or fish kill incidents, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential 24-hour hotline number on 0818 34 74 24, which is open seven days a week.
ENDS
Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs (IFPAC)
https://www.angling-in-ireland.com/
Angling Council Ireland Angling Coaching Courses July 2022
Expression of Interest
Come join a growing number of ACI trained Angling coaches in Ireland.
The ACI invites you through your angling federation to our suite of upcoming training courses in July. We offer coaching Ireland certified angling coaching courses.
Make a difference in your club and introduce a new generation of anglers to
the sport of angling.
Introductory Level Angling Coaching Course Dates:
Course 1: Saturday July the 16th of July
Course 2: Saturday the 30th of July
Venue: Sports HQ Dublin
H&S Safe Wading and River Rescue Course Dates: Sunday the 24th of July
Venue: Cork
Coaching people with disabilities CPWD Course Dates:
Course 1: Saturday the 23rd of July 2022 Venue: Sports HQ Dublin
Course 2: Sunday the 31st of July 2022 Venue: Cork
First Aid Course: Sunday the 31st of July 2022
Please note that both the CPWD course and the first aid course can be attended by all attendees on the 31st
Venue: Cork
Please note that course dates and venues may change subject to numbers and availability
To book your spot please respond directly to your federation or to secretaryaci1@gmail.com
Launch of the River Basin Management Plan
Martin McEnroe ACI, National Water Forum at the launch of the river basin management plan with Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’ Brien.
Sport Ireland announces €4million in funding for Women in Sport in 2021 and 2022
Sport Ireland
Media Release
01 July 2021
24 June 2021; Women in Sport Investment announcement. Pictured at the announcement are Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and Minister of State for Sport, the Gaeltacht & Defence, Jack Chambers TD, with from left, head coach of the Dublin Lions mens national league team Erin Bracken, member of the IRFU 15’s squad & Sport Ireland media training participant Aoife McDermott, Sport Ireland director of participation & ethics Dr Una May, Sport Ireland chief executive John Treacy and Golf ireland member Roisin Lyons. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile.
Sport Ireland today announced an investment in its Women in Sport Programme of €4million over the two years 2021 and 2022. This investment aims to support NGBs and enhance all aspects of female involvement across the Women in Sport policy target areas, namely Coaching & Officiating, Active Participation, Leadership & Governance and Visibility.
Recognising that effective and sustainable programmes require a long-term approach, Sport Ireland is committed to a two-year Women in Sport investment cycle. The continuation of this two-year award cycle will enable NGBs to further progress their strategic objectives for women in sport.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD welcomed today’s announcement, stating: “Addressing the participation gap in sport and physical activity for women and girls is a priority of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027. In recent years we have seen some improvements in this area. The Government and Sport Ireland are committed to continuing this work with the aim of eliminating the participation gap by 2027. While the interim Q1 2021 Irish Sports Monitor, published by Sport Ireland, shows that the gender gap in participation has been eliminated during Covid-19 restrictions, there is a lot of work to do to ensure that more women and girls participate in sport and physical activity. As we gradually re-open society we must work to ensure sport and physical activity become a meaningful part of the day-to-day lives of all women in society”.
Minister of State for the Gaeltacht & Sport Jack Chambers TD commented: “The previous cycle of Women in Sport funding saw significant strategic advancements in the promotion of Women in Sport. Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, progress was made on many of the strategic objectives set out in the Women in Sport Policy. We are seeing the results of this work in the participation figures and also importantly in the board composition of NGBs, with an increase from 24% of females serving on NGB boards in 2019 to 29% in 2020. There is still a long way to go to improving these figures but the funding announced today will go towards promoting more involvement in sport and physical activity at all levels, from the pitch to the boardroom”.
Funding will be ring-fenced under Women in Sport for strategically important internal and NGB related events and projects under the ‘Special Projects’ funding. This may also be used to support organisations who did not apply for funding support in the current round.
In 2020, the sector delivered on a number of objectives set out in the Women in Sport policy and there were many projects of note throughout the year. The Women in Sport Leadership programme rolled out by Swim Ireland was completed by 100 women from 24 NGBs who were supported and enabled to step into positions of authority in sport; Rowing Ireland coordinated a bespoke coaching programme involving four NGBs for female coaches on the pathway to high performance coaching and programmes such as Golf Ireland “Level Par” and Tennis Ireland’s “Equal Advantage” were established to ensure equality and balance in the respective sports.
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland John Treacy added: “The appointment of Nora Stapleton as Women in Sport Lead in Sport Ireland, as well as the appointment of leads in many NGBs has led to the creation of a network with increased levels of information sharing, collaboration and delivery of joint initiatives amongst the sector. This network, along with the wider NGB sector are working hard to promote sport and physical activity to women and girls. The funding announced today will not only see a diverse range of sports available to the female Irish public but an increase in the visibility of females be that as role models on the pitch or playing field, on boards or in the media. It is important that we work together to achieve the ambitious targets and I would like to acknowledge the continued support of the Ministers and staff in the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media”.
Dr. Una May, Director of Participation and Ethics, Sport Ireland commented: “The Women in Sport funding announced today will give the NGBs support and certainty to proceed with their programmes to address the target areas of the Women in Sport policy. In 2020 we saw some exciting and innovative approaches to Women in Sport including the first ever Girls Get Active Hackathon and the publication of significant pieces of research. There is a lot more planned for 2021 and beyond and we continue to work closely with the sector to achieve the objectives of the Policy”.
Speaking at today’s announcement, Women in Sport Lead Nora Stapleton said: “2020 was a difficult year and like all areas across the sector, many Women in Sport programmes and events were curtailed or had to be redesigned. Many programmes will continue in to 2021 and the NGBs have submitted applications for many new, innovative and exciting projects for the next cycle and I look forward to working with them”.
Ends
WIS Funding 2021 & 2022:
| Organisation | 2021 | 2022 | Total 2 year Allocation |
| Irish Rugby Football Union | €115,000 | €115,000 | €230,000 |
| Athletics Ireland | €80,000 | €80,000 | €160,000 |
| Swim Ireland | €80,000 | €80,000 | €160,000 |
| Gymnastics Ireland | €75,000 | €75,000 | €150,000 |
| Hockey Ireland | €75,000 | €75,000 | €150,000 |
| Tennis Ireland | €75,000 | €75,000 | €150,000 |
| Basketball Ireland | €70,000 | €70,000 | €140,000 |
| Cycling Ireland | €70,000 | €70,000 | €140,000 |
| Rowing Ireland | €70,000 | €70,000 | €140,000 |
| Triathlon Ireland | €70,000 | €70,000 | €140,000 |
| Golf Ireland | €67,500 | €67,500 | €135,000 |
| Canoeing Ireland | €50,000 | €50,000 | €100,000 |
| Irish Athletic Boxing Association | €50,000 | €50,000 | €100,000 |
| Ladies Gaelic Football Association | €49,000 | €49,000 | €98,000 |
| Irish Wheelchair Association Sport | €45,000 | €45,000 | €90,000 |
| Irish Sailing Association | €44,000 | €44,000 | €88,000 |
| Cricket Ireland | €40,000 | €40,000 | €80,000 |
| Mountaineering Ireland | €40,000 | €40,000 | €80,000 |
| The Camogie Association | €40,000 | €40,000 | €80,000 |
| Volleyball Ireland | €40,000 | €40,000 | €80,000 |
| Motor Sport Ireland | €35,000 | €35,000 | €70,000 |
| Student Sport Ireland | €35,000 | €35,000 | €70,000 |
| Football Association of Ireland | €32,000 | €32,000 | €64,000 |
| Badminton Ireland | €30,000 | €30,000 | €60,000 |
| Irish Judo Association | €30,000 | €30,000 | €60,000 |
| National Community Games | €25,000 | €25,000 | €50,000 |
| GAA Handball Ireland | €15,000 | €15,000 | €30,000 |
| Irish Squash | €15,000 | €15,000 | €30,000 |
| Diving Ireland/Irish Underwater Council | €15,000 | €15,000 | €30,000 |
| Irish Waterski & Wakeboard Federation | €15,000 | €15,000 | €30,000 |
| Table Tennis Ireland | €15,000 | €15,000 | €30,000 |
| Tug of War Ireland | €15,000 | €15,000 | €30,000 |
| Fencing Ireland | €12,000 | €12,000 | €24,000 |
| Irish Martial Arts Commission | €11,500 | €11,500 | €23,000 |
| Irish Surfing Association | €10,200 | €10,200 | €20,400 |
| American Football Ireland | €10,000 | €10,000 | €20,000 |
| Angling Council of Ireland | €10,000 | €10,000 | €20,000 |
| ONAKAI | €10,000 | €10,000 | €20,000 |
| Rugby League Ireland | €10,000 | €10,000 | €20,000 |
| Vision Sports Ireland | €10,000 | €10,000 | €20,000 |
| Weightlifting Ireland | €10,000 | €10,000 | €20,000 |
| Paralympics Ireland | €10,000 | €10,000 | €20,000 |
| Croquet Association of Ireland | €5,000 | €5,000 | €10,000 |
| Racquetball Association of Ireland | €3,500 | €3,500 | €7,000 |
| Speleological Union of Ireland | €1,700 | €1,700 | €3,400 |
| Total Allocation 2021 | Total Allocation 2022 | Total | |
| 2 year Allocation | |||
| Women in Sport Programmes | €1,636,400 | €1,636,400 | €3,272,800 |
| Women in Sport Special Projects Fund | €363,600 | €363,600 | €727,200 |
| Total Allocation | €2,000,000 | €2,000,000 | €4,000,000 |
Sport Ireland announce €40 million investment in the sports sector
Sport Ireland
Media Release
22nd April 2021
Sport Ireland announce €40 million investment in sports sector
- €13.8 million for core activity of 59 National Governing Bodies
- €9.5 million to support work of 29 Local Sports Partnerships
- €8.5 million to support High Performance programmes
- €2.68 million in International Carding scheme
Sport Ireland today announced an investment of €40 million to National Governing Bodies for Sport (NGBs), High Performance athlete support and to the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) for 2021.
Today’s announcement follows a year in which the sector has been significantly impacted by Covid-19 restrictions in place since March 2020.
The funding of €13.8million for NGBs is maintained from 2020. This funding, in addition to the recently allocated Covid-19 Grant Scheme, will provide stability and certainty to organisations throughout 2021. In line with previous years, a portion of the Core funding budget (‘Special Projects & Programmes’) will be ring fenced to assist with strategically important NGB related events and projects.
Welcoming today’s announcement, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin acknowledged the importance of sport and physical activity; “The past year has shown us yet again the important role that sport and physical activity plays in our lives and the vital contribution it makes to our physical and mental wellbeing. I am delighted to announce today’s funding to the sport sector to further assist the work of National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to encourage people to be more active and to support their ongoing development. In Budget 2021, the Government made a commitment to support the sector and we are engaging closely with the sector to ensure their needs are met and that sport will emerge from the Covid-19 crisis in a strong position.”
High Performance Programme funding will also be maintained for 2021 at €8,500,000. 2021 is anticipated to be an expensive year for high performance programmes as there remains a high level of uncertainty around competition and training camp plans due to Covid-19. Sport Ireland will provide further support in 2021 to address the immediate and confirmed costs to high performance programmes in respect of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Minister of State for Sport & the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers TD acknowledged the difficulties faced by the High Performance community in recent months: “Ireland has big ambitions on the international stage and the funding announced today will assist in furthering these ambitions. While the Olympic and Paralympic Games were postponed in 2020, the hard work and commitment from our high performance athletes, their National Governing Bodies and their support teams has continued over the past year and we are all now greatly looking forward to the summer games and beyond. This funding will provide certainty to our organisations after this difficult period and cover costs like coach development, hosting of events and delivering strategic plans. I am also very pleased we are once again providing ring-fenced funding for the Women in Sport programmes through the Local Sports Partnerships.”
The investment in high performance sport is bolstered by funding of €2.68 million through the International Carding Scheme. The International Carding Scheme provides financial support to 130 athletes and 6 Tokyo targeted relays / squads across 16 sports. The primary purpose of this funding is to support Irish athletes in reaching finals and achieving medals at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level. The level of funding on this scheme has increased from €2.4 million in 2020. The International Carding Scheme has been amended to account for the challenges faced by athletes and NGBs as a result of Covid-19.
Budget 2021 saw a significant increase in funding for sport and physical activity, reflecting the commitment of Government and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to support the sector in to 2021. The hard work and agility of the sports sector to adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic has been acknowledged by Sport Ireland and the Government, and today’s funding announcement further strengthens the commitment to the sector.
Funding of €9.5 million has been approved for the network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, representing an increase of 15% on 2020 funding. This increase in investment provides an opportunity for Sport Ireland to support a locally led safe return to sport and to further build the capacity of LSPs, increasing their reach and impact across Ireland.
Additionally Sport Ireland has announced its annual investment in the three large field sports – IRFU, GAA & FAI. A total of €2,389,653 has been allocated to the GAA and €2,250,843 to the IRFU. Funding provided by Sport Ireland supports vital coaching, games development and technical development programmes in both the GAA and IRFU. As per the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the Government and the Football Association of Ireland, €5.8 million in funding will be made available to the FAI for football development programmes, pending approval by the Board of Sport Ireland.
Kieran Mulvey, Chairman Sport Ireland outlined the importance of providing stability to the sector in these uncertain times: “2020 was an extremely challenging year for the sports sector. It was faced head on by the sector and I commend the work of the funded bodies who showed resilience and agility in adapting to the many obstacles they faced throughout the year. The High Performance athletes, coaches and support staff have also showed incredible dedication and commitment to their sports in very difficult circumstances. The funding announced today will support the National Governing Bodies High Performance Programmes, the Sport Ireland Institute and other high performance facilities and direct athlete support and we look forward to cheering on these athletes again soon. On behalf of Sport Ireland, I think Minister Martin, Minister Chambers and their Department colleagues for the ongoing support.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland John Treacy highlighted the important role of community sport: “Throughout 2020, the network of 29 LSPs continued to help people get active in their communities by removing barriers to physical activity. They adapted quickly to the new “virtual” landscape and rolled out a broad range of local and national initiatives targeted at all the different cohorts of people. This funding will help LSPs continue this work and ensure that everyone in our society has the opportunity to share in the enjoyment as well as the mental and physical health benefits of sport and physical activity. But now we look forward, toward an Olympic and Paralympic Games, to the reopening of sport and physical activity for the general public and a light at the end of the tunnel. There is cause for optimism as children’s sport and some outdoor activity returns and we look forward to even more opportunities to enjoy sport and physical activity in the months ahead”.
