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Fishing festivals 'under threat' after funding cut

BBC David is standing beside a lake. He's looking into the camera. It's an overcast day and he's wearing a black coat.BBC
David Burleigh who owns a fishing and bait shop, says the roles the funding covers is needed for the "smooth running of the events"

The future of two popular fishing festivals are "under threat" after the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) withdrew some funding, it has been claimed.

The Classic Fishing Festival and the Pike Classic take place in County Fermanagh every year.

David Burleigh from Erne Anglers said the department have cut an overtime budget for staff, adding that it was a "huge blow" and puts the future of the events in jeopardy.

In a statement, Daera said it will "continue to support" the festival by "making the public angling estate available for use".

'Lack of consultation'

Getty Images Close-up of man preparing fishing lures for shore fishing.He is getting ready for casting.Getty Images
Mr Burleigh says a "lack of consultation" by the department "undermines the opportunity to find a constructive resolution"

Mr Burleigh explained that the funding covers "overtime costs to provide logistical support for both events, including stewarding, weighing in fish, and ensuring competitors had access to fishing sections".

"These roles are essential for the smooth running of the events," he said.

"We're really in limbo so we're just waiting to see if we can find a way forward to maintain them going ahead."

However, he said what was most concerning was the "principle and approach taken by the department".

"After 47 years of a successful partnership, Daera has chosen to walk away from this without engaging with us to explore potential solutions or ways to continue working together," he said.

'Not simply about money'

The Erne Pike classic is in its 19th year and the Fermanagh Classic Festival is in its 47th year.

Mr Burleigh described Daera's role as significant to the running of the events and said it is "not simply about money".

"Daera's involvement brings much more than financial support - it represents integrity, impartiality, and the ability to work effectively across departments.

"Their experience in engaging with landowners, their access to equipment and resources, their professionalism, and their deep, long-term local knowledge are all invaluable."

He said he understood that the funding which has been cut was for the Fermanagh Classic event in May was £3,000 and £3,500 for the Erne Pike Classic in October.

"These have been historic events that have run for so long," Mr Burleigh said.

"It would be an absolute sin to see them cancelled for the sake of a very small overtime budget."

Terry is smiling into the camera. He's standing in a reception area. He wears glasses.
Terry Mc Cartney is worried about the impact on the local economy

Terry McCartney is the owner of Belmore Court Motel in Enniskillen.

He said losing the events would have a big impact on the local economy and tourism industry.

"It's one of the few events we have in the area and losing it will have a real impact," he said.

"It's been a solid player for us - attracting people to Fermanagh from outside Northern Ireland - and it's one of the ways we can attract people to the county."

Fermanagh and South Tyrone assembly member Deborah Erskine said she was "really disappointed" by the cuts, and had raised the issue in Stormont on Tuesday.

She said local people and businesses have started to become concerned as the events draw in a large number of visitors to the area.

"These Fermanagh festivals are important to the local economy and it's really important they go ahead," she added.

"I'm trying to work to get the funding restored."

'Short-sighted'

A close up of Victor Warrington. He's wearing a black suit with a stripped shirt.
Victor Warrington says the amount of tourism that both festivals bring is "a big boost" to the community

Councillor Victor Warrington said fishing in these areas are "a big thing".

He said the amount of tourism that both festivals bring is "a big boost" to the community.

"They come from everywhere," he said, and they all "do spend money".

Warrington said he does "appreciate money is difficult" but called the decision "short-sighted" because of the money brought into the local economy by the events.

The Erne Pike Classic group published a post on Facebook about the funding situation.

It said: "These festivals are not just fishing competitions - they generate over £500,000 in tourism revenue annually, supporting local businesses, jobs, and the entire Fermanagh community."

"These events are more than just competitions - they're part of our culture, heritage, and economy," they added.

In a statement, a Daera spokesman told BBC News NI: "Whilst budget pressures have unfortunately required a reduction in overtime spend, the department will continue to support the Fermanagh Classic and the Pike Classic by making the Public Angling Estate available for use."