Address by Mr Noel Treacy TD Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce at the Presentation of Prizes at the Benelux King Of Clubs Angling Competition. Shannon Oaks Hotel, Portumna, Co Galway, Wednesday 23rd October 2001 at 8.00pm

I am delighted to be here again with you all this evening, in Portumna to present the prizes for the King of Clubs 2001 International Angling Competition, which was held here in Portumna on the majestic River Shannon, from the Sunday last to today, Wednesday the 24th of October. I understand that some 220 people have participated in this great event, a slight reduction on last year's numbers. However, given all the circumstances, with the postponement of the competition from May last, due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the UK, I am of the opinion that this is a very creditable performance, of which the organisers can be justifiably proud.

I am particularly delighted that the Benelux ‘King of Clubs' was fished this year, in the beautiful Portumna area.

This is the 2^nd year this competition was held here and I believe that it is also to be held here again next year. This is a major vote of confidence in our locality.

The Benelux ‘King of Clubs' is one of Ireland's most prestigious International Coarse Angling Competitions. The Competition was initiated back in 1993 by Bord Fáilte, to stimulate the promotion of Irish Angling in the Benelux Countries, right down to the Club Angler. The idea was certainly a novel one, which encouraged all Benelux Angling Clubs to stage at least one major Angling Competition Annually, the Winner of which would get a free trip to Ireland, to fish in the Grand Final of all such Qualifiers, in a given year. The Winner of the Grand Final is aptly crowned, the Benelux ‘King of Clubs'.

Angling Tourism is big Business today, for Ireland, contributing over IR£60 million annually, to our National Economy, and the Benelux Market is now one of our largest sources of Angling Holidaymakers. About 10,000 Benelux Anglers visited Ireland, last year, which is nearly 10% of all Angling Tourists, and many of them were no doubt prompted by the enormous publicity, which surrounds the ‘King of Clubs' Competition, back in their home Countries. In this regard, I would like to acknowledge the role played by the Dutch Fishing Magazine ‘Beet Sport Visfers' in promoting Portumna as a great place for fishing.

There will be very few nowadays, who are unaware of the fact that our Tourism Industry has been breaking its own records annually, for the last number of years. I hope it will continue, in the years ahead. Earlier this year we had to put in place emergency measures to prevent Foot and Mouth disease from spreading across the country. Our Government took prompt, comprehensive and highly effective action. We succeeded in confining an outbreak, which had spread like wildfire through Britain, to one single case in the Republic.

I want to pay tribute to the wholehearted co-operation of all those involved, at all levels in our Tourism industry during that very difficult time. Of course, the situation impacted seriously on the Tourist industry and I am aware that some sectors suffered more than others - the B&B sector, for instance, was badly hit. However, working hand in hand with the industry, we managed the situation by ensuring, in accordance with expert technical advice, the earliest possible lifting of major restrictions on tourism attractions and activities.

I would like pay tribute to the Anglers and providers of related Services, including Tackle Shops, Tourism and Accommodation Providers, Boat Owners and ghillies for their co-operation and patience, in tackling the threat of Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD). The positive and responsible approach of all involved, during the earlier part of the year is to be commended.

It has been a tough time for everybody, but the way that People pulled together in the National interest, has been most encouraging and highlights the great spirit of Co-operation and Community, that exists throughout this Country.

The growth in Accommodation in the Ireland-West Region has been remarkable in recent years. Here in Portumna, Visitors are spoilt for choice, with the opening in 1997 of this magnificent Shannon Oaks Hotel and in 1998 of the Shannonside School House. There are also many excellent Bed and Breakfast establishments nearby.

Portumna and its environs have always been recognised as a prominent Angling Destination, and we now have this wonderful opportunity, to promote the Area and achieve even greater prominence as a great Fishing Venue, among Benelux Anglers. Portumna and the surrounding Areas are now well poised to become one of Ireland's great Coarse Angling Centres and this accolade is well deserved.

Only 2 weeks ago, the UK based Travel company ‘Anglers World Holidays' brought 120 anglers to Portumna. All reports I have received is that they also enjoyed their fishing and hope to return next year.

The River Shannon upriver from Portumna to Shannonbridge was chosen for the prestigious King of Clubs Competition, because of the consistently good Fishing that can be enjoyed here locally. I would like, at this stage, to compliment the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board on their Programme of development in creating over 200 Fishing Positions, along the Shannon River, on Stretches, most likely to provide the best Fishing prospects.

This work will be a valuable legacy for this Area, after the Competition to cater for the growth in Angling Tourism that is envisaged. I have been very pleased over the years to have positively supported all of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Projects, on our greatest natural amenity.

I see from the programme that you have seen some of the surrounding countryside with visits to Galway City and Nenagh. In case you have not been told, there are many reasons to stay in historic Portumna. In my opinion, the principle one is Portumna Castle and Forest Park. The Park, which is inhabited by Deer, also has wonderful Forest Walks, Nature Trails, an Observation Tower, along with Emerald Star Line's Marina and the Yacht Club. The Castle itself dates back to 1518 and was accidentally destroyed by fire in 1826. It came into State ownership in the mid-20th Century and thankfully is now in the process of being restored and its unique landscape conserved.

There are numerous other attractions in the vicinity of this Town. These include the two Golf Courses, Pallas Castle, and Pallas Go-Kart Racing circuit, to name but a few. Further afield is the Clonfert Cathedral, Burren National Park, Coole Park, Loughrea's Grey Lake and the beautiful village of Terryglass, a winner of the Tidy Towns Competition, in 1997.

I would also like to again compliment the work of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board who along with the Ireland West Tourism, Shannon Development and Bord Fáilte, are providing financial assistance, to help make the King of Clubs Competition, a major success for Portumna and the surrounding areas.

Finally, I would like to recognise and congratulate the Local Community and Businesses interests, led by the IRD South-East Galway and Galway South East Tourism who are working very hard, to make a success of this major Angling Tourism Promotion Event, for their Area. I also wish to thank the local sponsors: Starr's Newsagents, Shannon Oaks Hotel, Emerald Star Line Cruisers, Galway Crystal, Coillte and Bord na Mona for generously supporting this competition.

The active part, which they play in the economic life of this Area is vital in helping to deliver a brilliant Holiday Experience, to our many Angling Guests and to give Portumna, a new lease of life in Angling Tourism. While the early indications were that the Tourist industry in South East Galway was going to have a tough year as a result of the FMD precautions, I hope that, notwithstanding the terrible and tragic events in New York and Washington DC on September 11^th last, business has picked up and that the end year results will be similar to last year.

I trust that all concerned enjoyed your visit to Ireland and that you will return here for a longer stay in the future, with their Families or Friends where they will find a warm and wonderful Irish welcome.