Inland Fisheries Ireland New Corporate Plan focuses on sustainability

“If I was to sum up our corporate plan in one word, it would be this –sustainability,” Francis O’ Donnell, Chief Executive Officer with Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Francis O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of Inland Fisheries Ireland. Photography Credit: Emagine

Inland Fisheries Ireland, the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, has launched its 2021 –2025 corporate plan.

Following on from the Government’s Climate Action Bill, Inland Fisheries Ireland will focus on the conservation and preservation of inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

The plan is underpinned by seven ‘High Level Objectives’ and these are centred around: Habitats, Fish, Stakeholders, Sustainability, Our People, Corporate Management and Innovation.

In summarising the new plan, Francis O’ Donnell said: “If I was to sum up our corporate plan in one word, it would be this –sustainability. It’s at the heart of what we’re trying to achieve at Inland Fisheries Ireland, from developing sustainable fish habitats to promoting sustainable angling to achieving our climate action and biodiversity goals in the most sustainable way possible.”

Fintan Gorman, the Chairperson of Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: “This plan comes at a vital time for

Inland Fisheries Ireland and at a critical time for the resource. The clear message here is that

Fintan Gorman, Chairperson of Inland Fisheries Ireland. Photography Credit: Emagine

Pictured is the Glenamurra River in Co. Mayo, following the completion of fencing and planting along the river under the ‘Habitats and Conservation’ scheme. Photography credit: Inland Fisheries Ireland

Inland Fisheries Ireland will concentrate on its core functions. Our native fish species are under everincreasing threat from an array of sources, such as poor water quality, urbanisation, intensive farming practices, climate change and illegal fishing. Therefore, fish populations and their habitats are under pressure as never before and the clock is ticking.”

To place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.

To protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity.

As a state agency: • We work collaboratively with professionalism • We are open, transparent and accountable • We act with respect and integrity • We are committed to stewardship and sustainability

HABITATS- To sustainably develop and improve fish habitats

FISH- To protect, maintain and enhance Ireland's wild fish populations

STAKEHOLDERS- To actively engage with stakeholders in the continued stewardship of our shared resource

SUSTAINABILITY - To play a leadership role in achieving our climate action and biodiversity goals

OUR PEOPLE- To value our people and support their development and performance

- To foster a culture of value for money and evaluation of performance in a measurable, transparent and accountable manner

Pictured are paired deflectors, which are part of the River Deel enhancement project near Raharney, Co. Westmeath, supported under the ‘Habitats and Conservation’ scheme. Photography credit: Inland Fisheries Ireland.