Shepperton Lake goes green

A West Cork lake is going eco-friendly! Shepperton Lake, located near Skibbereen, will introduce measures to reduce the carbon footprint of anglers fishing the popular Shepperton (Shreelane) fishery.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is introducing regulations which will only permit battery powered engines on the lake from 1 January 2020.

As part of the eco-friendly measures, Inland Fisheries Ireland is removing its four petrol engines from use at Shepperton. Anglers can now hire one of the recently refurbished boats and bring their own battery-powered engines. This follows similar measures introduced at Ballinlough, Leap which has operated successfully for a number of years. The boat hire at Shepperton Lake, including a one-day fishing permit for up to two anglers, will cost €30.

Sean Long, Director of the South Western River Basin District, said: “This initiative was proposed by the local Inland Fisheries Ireland Green Team as a quick and simple measure to reduce carbon emissions. We are pleased to offer this green solution to anglers at the lake while also maintaining the permit price once again this year.”

Shreelane in West Cork is a popular winter pike angling destination attracting local and visiting anglers to the area. As shore angling is not permitted, anglers are advised to book a boat locally from Mrs E. Connolly by ringing 028-33328. For more information about Inland Fisheries Ireland, visit fisheriesireland.ie.