Anglers across Fermanagh are sounding the alarm over the future of two flagship events, the Fermanagh Classic Fishing Festival and the Pike Classic, following a controversial funding cut by DAERA Inland Fisheries.

David Burleigh, a respected local angler and owner of Enniskillen’s Fishing Tackle and Bait shop, has called for an urgent meeting with Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir, warning that the decision to withdraw funding could threaten the survival of these "cornerstone" competitions, which are vital to the region’s angling community and economy.

He told this newspaper: “We need a meeting with a minister, they have not given us an opportunity, we want a meeting with our governing body, the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland and Erne Anglers to have a proper discussion on this.”

Mr. Burleigh who is a part of Erne Anglers and owns the Enniskillen based- Fishing Tackle and Bait shop, he described the events as “a cornerstone for anglers across the region. He says that DAERA have cut an overtime budget for staff.

However, the funding withdrawal has sparked fears over the future of these events “The £3,000 allocated for overtime budgets by DAERA Inland Fisheries has been a crucial component in the smooth running of these competitions,” said Mr Burleigh. “It ensures staff are adequately supported and that the events can be hosted without unnecessary logistical hurdles.”

He said: “This event has been running for 47 years and DAERA has been a partner in various guises over those 47 years. They have decided to walk away from it without any consultation. Without any consultation or discussion or rational behind it.”

“It is not about the money of overtime cost, it is the principal, the event is in jeopardy.”

“It is the principal of it, what they bring is more than £3,000 in monetary value, they bring integrity, impartiality as it is a competition where people fish for money.

“We can’t go and procure that expertise anywhere else.

The Fermanagh Classic, which has run for 47 years, and the Pike Classic, established 19 years ago, have long been a draw for anglers from across Ireland and beyond. Describing the tournaments as more than just fishing competitions, Mr. Burleigh emphasised their importance in fostering a sense of community, encouraging tourism, and boosting the local economy.

In previous years, these events have reportedly generated an estimated £500,000 in tourism revenue annually, Mr. Burleigh claims.

“This figure speaks volumes about the local economic impact,” he explained, highlighting how the influx of participants and spectators has provided vital support for local hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses.

Mr. Burleigh is urging DAERA Inland Fisheries to reconsider its decision, calling for the restoration of funding to safeguard the events’ future. “The benefits of these events — both economic and cultural — cannot be overstated,” he said. “It is vital for the future of local tourism and business that these competitions continue to thrive.”

Also expressing concern was Leo Nacer of Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism, who said: “The Fermanagh Classic Fishing Festival has been a cornerstone of our tourism calendar for nearly 50 years, drawing anglers from across Europe.

“It’s disappointing to see such a modest request for support overlooked, especially for an event that not only boosts the local economy and international reputation of the region but also keeps interest alive in angling and the care of our waterways.”

DAERA were contacted for comment on this matter but had not responded at the time of going to print.