To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what action his Department is taking to increase usage of the public angling estate as a means to encourage people to go outdoors and be active.

My Department recognises the benefits to the health and wellbeing for all those taking part in outdoor activities. The Public Angling Estate (PAE) has remained open from May 2020 to allow outdoor exercise to take place, which includes angling.

In 2020, the Department has seen an increase of 2,000 DAERA angling licence sales to approximately 28,000, up 7% from 2019. To encourage further angling participation, my Department has also not increased angling licences and permit fees for the 2021 season.

The Department has continued to stock game PAE waters throughout the pandemic, as well as carrying out maintenance and improvement works at over 90 PAE waters.

Once Covid 19 restrictions allow, the Department will reopen the Angling Outreach Events Programme to encourage angling participation from all who wish to try angling for the first time under the guidance of a trained coach. These programmes are aimed at encouraging underrepresented groups such as juveniles, females, disabled, minority groups and those from disadvantaged areas.

The Department has an annual programme to maintain and improve infrastructure at angling waters, including the provision of disabled angling stands and improved pathways. Many of the PAE lakes and rivers are popular locations with walkers and other recreational users and therefore the work carried out by my Department for permit holders, also benefits and encourages outdoor activities to be enjoyed by all.