Delight for anglers after department back stands

Delight for anglers after department back stands

31 March 2021

DOWNPATRICK anglers have welcomed confirmation from a leading government department that new disabled fishing stands could be provided on the banks of the Quoile River.

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that the Environment Agency is to be asked to approve the possible installation of the stands beside two designated disabled parking bays at a redeveloped car park beside the river’s floodgates.

In addition, anglers say there is a need for DAERA and the Environment Agency to join forces to develop a training programme for their respective staff on how to handle the needs of disabled anglers in particular.

DAERA — which has agreed to meet with local anglers — said if the new stands are provided, they will reduce the need for those with mobility issues to have to make their way to an existing stand around a quarter of a mile from the car park which was recently redeveloped.

Anglers had expressed concern that a new barrier erected on a wall which separates the car park from the waterway prevents disabled anglers from fishing at this particular location.

They say that the need to provide fishing stands for those with mobility issues was being discussed by 

civil servants over one year ago, calling for them to provided as soon as possible.

DAERA insists that the riverside car park was never designated either as a specific angling area or one for the use of disabled fishermen, conceding that local anglers disagree with this point which is why a meeting with them to discuss the issue is necessary.

In a recent letter to anglers, the government department confirmed that neither it nor Disability NI were consulted about the work at the Quoile car park as it would not restrict or remove disabled angling facilities. It’s a point that anglers disagree with.

DERA explained the work on the banks of the river created two dedicated disabled parking spaces in the car park where previously there had been none and that it is not satisfactory for disabled anglers to make their way to access current angling facilities located away from the car park.

A spokesman for Downpatrick anglers said they are pleased that consideration is now being given to providing two new dedicated disabled fishing stands.

“We welcome DAERA’s confirmation that officials are also keen to meet with us to discuss our concerns which is an important step forward,” he said.

“The fact that the rights of disabled anglers at the Quoile River are now being recognised is also a welcome step forward. Redeveloping the car park and providing disabled parking spaces but no area for those with mobility issues to fish from was an error which now looks as though it is going to be rectified.”

The spokesman said he hopes that DAERA will also inform Newry, Mourne and Down Council about the plan to now provide disabled fishing stands at the riverbank car park.

“We would hope councillors are informed via email or letter so there is a record of the commitment to carry out this work,” he said.

“Moving forward, we believe that there is a need for DAERA and the Environment Agency to join forces to develop a training programme for their respective staff on how to handle the needs of disabled anglers in particular.”

The spokesman said lessons need to be learned from the Quoile River debacle and hopes that everyone involved can now move forward in partnership.

“Disabled anglers have been stopped coming to the river to fish for over a year since work to redevelop the car park got underway. Had the needs of disabled anglers been uppermost in the minds of government officials at the planning stage, it would not have taken 12 months to reach the point we are now thankfully at,” he said.

“Everyone associated with Downpatrick Anglers is looking forward to seeing the new fishing stands in place soon and the welcome return of disabled anglers. They are part and parcel of the fishing community and must enjoy equal rights when it comes to their support.”

The spokesman added: “As we have always said, fishing is very therapeutic and we would strongly argue that the provision of new disabled angling stands on the banks of the Quoile should be a priority and will be of tremendous benefit.”