Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Northern Ireland's Sports Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, today announced that there will be no increase in fishing licence fees for the 2012 fishing seasons. In making the announcement, the Minister said: “In light of the current economic climate, I have decided to keep the salmon and inland fishing licence fees at 2011 levels.

This is the third year in a row that there has been no annual increase. I hope this will continue to ease the financial burden on those involved in the commercial fishing sectors and encourage others to enjoy recreational fishing.”

Whilst there is a price freeze on licences and permit fees, fishing permits for the Public Angling Estate will subject to an inflationary rise of 4.8%.

Continuing, the Minister said: “Angling has proven health benefits and I would like to see more people get involved. I hope that by freezing the licence fees, people will be more encouraged to take up the sport and become more active and healthy.”

Lyall Plant Chief Executive Countryside Alliance Ireland said: "we are delighted to see that there is no increase in the annual licence for next season. However, we urge all those who go angling to do so legally and obtain the correct licence and fishing permit for 2012.