§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been taken to ensure adequate disability access to the Public Angling Estate. [178380]
§ Angela SmithA number of the waters within the Public Angling Estate are accessible to anglers with disabilities, with special facilities, including car parks, paths, fishing stands, and a hoist to facilitate angling from boats, provided at some. Representatives of persons with disabilities have undertaken access studies at a number of waters and have provided appropriate advice to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
The Department is committed to continuing to upgrade and enhance the facilities at its waters for anglers with disabilities and will continue to consult with those groups representing the disabled.