Edwin Poots confirms the resumption angling from Monday

However, car parks at the thirty selected locations will remain closed until May 27 to discourage anyone travelling long distances, Mr Poots said.

“In the interests of public health, I shut down the angling estate on March 30, to discourage unnecessary journeys and protect my staff as well as anglers themselves, given that the majority are in the 50+ age bracket and many have concessionary angling licences due to underlying health issues,” he said.

“While car parks will remain closed until May 27 to discourage long journeys, I have decided to permit local anglers back on to the Public Angling Estate so that they can participate in their favourite recreational activity. By its nature, angling is a solo sport or hobby, and its participants can enjoy a day’s fishing without being in close contact with others.”

Mr Poots added: “The sport has huge benefits for people’s mental and physical well-being and in this time of uncertainty, I know that many people have missed the solitude and peace that angling and being outdoors with nature, brings them. However, let me be clear – anglers must continue to follow social distancing guidelines, practice good hand hygiene and walk to their nearest PAE, fishing alone or with a member of their own household.

“I do not want to see crowds of people near the river banks and fisheries.”

Alliance MLA John Blair has expressed concern about the short notice of the reopening given to fisheries staff, and said his party will be seeking an explanation.

“While the resumption of activities such as angling is an important step on the return to normality, it cannot come at the expense of public health and safety,” he said.