Annacotty Weir, Co. Limerick has been awarded €99,481 in funds

Funding 34 conservation projects in 14 counties

Inland Fisheries Ireland, the state agency with responsibility for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, is awarding funding to 34 projects in 14 counties under the ‘Habitats and Conservation Scheme 2022’.

Under two separate funds, the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund and the Midland Fisheries Fund, eligible angling clubs, commercial fishermen and fishery owners were invited to apply for financial assistance to support fisheries conservation projects in their local areas.

€1,053,390 in funding for 34 projects has been approved so far this year, going to projects based in Cavan (€35K), Cork (€12K), Donegal (€90K), Dublin (€12K), Galway (€115K), Leitrim (€6K), Limerick (€116K), Louth (€45K), Mayo (€130K), Meath (€224K), Monaghan (€30K), Westmeath (€66K), Wexford (€30K), Wicklow (€9K) and a national project (€135K). Examples of awards granted fisheries conservation funding include:

  • planning and assessment reports to find appropriate solutions for fish passage on barriers
  • construction of rock ramp passageways to make it easier for fish to migrate upstream and downstream of impassable weirs
  • carrying out catchment-focused feasibility studies, habitat management plans and environmental assessments to focus on appropriate and specific measures to benefit river habitats and species
  • improvements to water quality and river habitats by installing fences and providing solar powered water pumps to minimise agricultural impacts, thus, encouraging natural riverbank regeneration and climate resilience of the watercourse
  • instream restoration works on spawning and nursery habitats for salmon and sea trout and introducing native Irish trees and shrubs along exposed riverbanks to benefit the long-term management of rivers
  • research to inform and improve national management strategies around salmonids

The announcement has been welcomed by Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. The Minister said: “The funds awarded this year in the Habitats and Conservation Scheme will go towards a combination of work focused on conserving our freshwater fish and their habitats. The €1 million fund will support angling clubs and fishery owners to improve habitats, water quality and fish passage in their immediate areas, while also supporting IFI personnel to deliver projects at a national level. Healthy rivers and lakes are critical to a healthy ecosystem and the works and studies supported by the scheme will also benefit the surrounding environment and the restoration of our natural resources.”

Financial assistance under the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (SSTRCPF total of €1,003,390) is generated by the sale of salmon and sea trout angling licences and commercial fishing licences in Ireland. The Midlands Fisheries Fund (MFF total of €50,000) is financed through contributions from permit income, received through the Midlands Fisheries Group permit area. To be eligible, applicants to the SSTRCPF must have purchased a valid salmon and sea trout angling licence or a commercial fishing licence or for the MFF, hold a current Midlands Fisheries Group permit.

Further allocations of funding may be announced later in the year and the full list of projects can be seen at  www.fisheriesireland.ie

Approved projects under the Habitats & Conservation Call 2022 (announced in May 2022)

Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (SSTRCPF) and The Midlands Fisheries Fund (MFF)

Fund
Organisation
Description
Catchment
County
Funding Approved €
MFF
Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association
Introduction of appropriate soft engineering techniques for riverbank restoration on the Tudenham River, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath will help regenerate this location as a priority spawning location for trout, therefore increasing salmonid recruitment.
Brosna
Westmeath
6,795
MFF
Fore Heritage and Amenity Group
1km of habitat fencing, provision of 5 land-based cattle troughs, 2 solar pumps and associated pipework on the Glore River, Co. Westmeath will reduce stock access to improve water quality and restore the riparian zone for salmonids.
Inny
Westmeath
12,983
MFF
Fore Heritage and Amenity Group
A habitat management plan incorporating appropriate soft engineering, in-stream restoration as well as habitat fencing and footbridges on the River Glore, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath to improve valuable trout spawning and nursery water on the river and enhance river habitat and recruitment.
Inny
Westmeath
5,275.50
MFF
Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association (LSTPA)
Instream and riverbank restoration works and materials including spawning gravel, selective tree pruning, fencing improvement and 8 cattle troughs on the Mahera River, Ballymachugh, Co. Cavan to improve salmonid habitat, recruitment and water quality.
Inny
Cavan
14,335
MFF
Coosan & District Anglers
AA Screening report / Natura Impact Statement including associated design on the Tang and Creggy Rivers in Co. Westmeath to inform appropriate works to restore damaged habitats and increase salmonid recruitment.
Inny
Westmeath
10,612.50
SSTRCPF
Glencorrib/ Cross Anglers
Feasibility study on the Cross River, Co. Mayo to identify and map salmonid and wildlife habitats including highlighting any restoration action required to improve water quality or salmonid habitat.
Corrib
Mayo
4,920
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Instream restoration works and materials including planning phase requirements on the River Swinford, Co Mayo to provide basis for OPW to carry out stream restoration works and improve habitat for salmon and sea trout thus improving the productivity of the river.
Moy
Mayo
23,600
SSTRCPF
West Limerick Deel Anglers
To install several in-stream structures and connected riparian works to restore and improve river habitats for salmon and improvements to water quality and connected riparian species on the Riddlestown stream on the River Deel, Co Limerick.
Deel
Limerick
16,590
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Part funding for the planning phase of the Annacotty weir fish passage Co. Limerick to assess and plan appropriate solutions for fish migration on a significant barrier on the River Mulkear, the subsequent work will allow increased access for salmonids into the Mulkear River and its tributaries.
Shannon
Limerick
99,481
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Instream and riverbank restoration works and materials including habitat fencing, solar power systems and native tree planting on the Suileen, Nanny and Grange Rivers, Co. Galway to improve production for salmonids and provide shelter and additional habitats in the riparian zone.
Corrib
Galway
86,170
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Research study that will provide additional specific data on adult returns to the sub-catchment on salmonid freshwater and marine survival which will be important in modelling the trajectory of salmon populations nationally and better understand and quantify the natural and anthropogenic factors influencing stock trends on the Erriff River, Co. Mayo which is the national index river for salmon in Ireland.
Erriff
Mayo
73,389. 25
SSTRCPF
Bandon Angling Association
Habitat management plan, AA Screening and EcIA on the Bandon River at Desert Bridge, Murragh, Co. Cork to provide clear and informed directions for future conservation and rehabilitation works for all salmonids with indirect benefits to terrestrial species and water quality.
Bandon
Cork
3,272
SSTRCPF
Kilcoleman Fishery
Habitat Management Plan, AA screening and EcIA for the Bandon River, Kilcoleman, Desertserges, Co. Cork. This will inform the works stage of the project that will lead to subsequent riverbank restoration and is likely to improve the climate resilience of the channel thereby protecting valuable nursery and spawning areas.
Bandon
Cork
9,225
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Instream restoration materials in conjunction with the OPW including planning phase requirements on the Glore River at Treankeel, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo to restore and enhance salmonid habitat on an important sub-catchment for Moy salmonid recruitment in conjunction with the OPW.
Moy
Mayo
14,000
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
To conduct a project of strategic national importance that is planned to inform the national conservation status of salmon in Ireland in 2023; to understand the performance of salmon populations nationally; and to understand and model salmon populations and their life history strategies.
National
National
134,532
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
To hire a data analyst to undertake a desk study of salmon counter runs and counter efficiency at the River Boyne, Blackcastle weir, Navan Co. Meath and prepare and deliver a concluding report. It will help develop the raising factor for this fish counter and it will refine calculations and subsequent conservation measures for other fish counters nationally.
Boyne
Meath
18,170
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
The planning stage of Pallas Weir on the River Bann, Co. Wexford to identify appropriate ways to improve fish migration that opens significant upstream habitats and nursery ground for salmonids and eel in conjunction with Irish Water.
Slaney
Wexford
30,000
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
A research project on the Bealanabreac River, Maam, Co. Galway to help inform the management of habitats in upland river systems by utilising nature-based solutions.  The research will inform similar upland habitats throughout Ireland where salmon and sea trout exist.
Corrib
Galway
13,456
SSTRCPF
Moy Catchment Association
Appropriate Assessment of identified measures in specific locations on the Pollagh River on the Moy, Co. Mayo and habitat fencing at agreed locations to aim to improve water quality, riparian regeneration and habitat for salmonids and provide indirect benefits to other riparian species.
Moy
Mayo
13,604
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Planning stage for fish passage improvements and fish counter upgrade on the Dungloe River, Altcrin, Co Donegal to benefit suitable passage of migrating fish, plus monitor sea trout and salmon runs in a location which should be free from the influence of fish farming operations.
Dungloe
Donegal
60,000
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Riverbank restoration works using soft engineering methods, habitat fencing and native tree planting on the Barra River, Co. Donegal. This should tie in with previous bank protection work completed, consolidate the riparian area in its entirety and reconnect terrestrial and aquatic ecotones with potential benefits for the entire river ecosystem.
Gweebarra
Donegal
30,000
SSTRCPF
Dromahair Anglers
Habitat management plan on the Bonet River at Dromahair, Co. Leitrim to provide specific assistance in the restoration and enhancement of river habitats to revive salmon stocks in the system.
Garavogue
Leitrim
6,150
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Construction stage of the Martry Weir Fish Pass on the Kells Blackwater (Boyne) Martry Co. Meath having completed the planning phase of this project to enhance fish migration at Martry Weir at varying water levels and enable increased access to spawning and nursery habitat for salmon and lamprey.
Boyne
Meath
100,000
SSTRCPF
Western Game Fishing Association
Appropriate Assessment Screenings for 8 river systems at Casla, Culfin, Screeb, Owengowla, Owenboliska, Dohulla, Owenglin and Crumlin in Connemara Co. Galway to provide sustainable maintenance and enhancement measures for salmonid aquatic habitat in the Connemara area.
Connemara
Galway
15,000
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Instream restoration materials including spawning gravels, broken rock and building rock on the Enfield Blackwater on the Boyne at Clongiffen, Longwood, Co. Meath to improve and increase salmon spawning and nursery on the Enfield Blackwater.
Boyne
Meath
16,000
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Instream and riverbank restoration materials as part of an OPW project on the Knightsbrook River on the Boyne at Umberstown, Co. Meath to prevent deterioration in spawning and recruitment of Atlantic salmon in conjunction with the OPW.
Boyne
Meath
90,000
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Instream and riverbank restoration works and materials including planning phase requirements on the Stonyford River, on the Boyne at Stonestown, Delvin, Co. Westmeath to improve spawning habitat and salmonid recruitment in conjunction with the OPW.
Boyne
Westmeath
30,000
SSTRCPF
Arklow Town Team
Feasibility study and Appropriate Assessment screening on the Ballyduff River, Glenart, Arklow, Co Wicklow to provide optimum solutions to facilitate fish access to 30km of spawning and nursery habitat for salmon and sea trout.
Avoca
Wicklow
9,000
SSTRCPF
Liffey Salmon Project
Feasibility study on Leixlip Dam, Leixlip, Co Dublin to assess appropriate options to facilitate fish migration to move through an impassable barrier at Leixlip on the Liffey River and open significant additional spawning and nursery habitat for salmon and sea trout.
Liffey
Dublin
5,000
SSTRCPF
Liffey Salmon Project
Planning phase requirements, spawning gravel maintenance and addition on the Lower River Liffey at Leixlip, Lutrellstown Gate and Wrens Nest Co. Dublin to create additional gravel sites to benefit salmon spawning on the lower Liffey to increase survival and recruitment.
Liffey
Dublin
7,402.25
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Appropriate Assessment of proposed measures for habitat fencing at agreed locations on the River Glyde at Braganstown, Co. Louth to restore and improve salmon and sea trout populations and habitat.
Glyde
Louth
15,065
SSTRCPF
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Instream and riverbank restoration works and materials on the River Fane at Magowney and Inniskeen in Co. Monaghan and Castlering and Knockbridge in Co. Louth to improve existing salmon habitat and increase the productivity of the river for salmon and sea trout stocks.
Fane
Monaghan & Louth
30,410
SSTRCPF
Navan and District Angling Association
Instream and riverbank restoration works and materials including planning phase requirements on the Yellow River, Navan, Co. Meath will improve natural habitat for salmon and sea trout with indirect benefits for wider riparian species and biota.
Boyne
Meath
28,500
SSTRCPF
Kells Angler Association
Instream and riverbank restoration works and materials on the Kells Blackwater at Lislea, Ramor, Co. Cavan to improve habitat and water quality for salmonids that will benefit other indirect species connected to the riparian zone.
Kells Blackwater
Cavan
20,453

 

Evaluation of Applications

Applications are reviewed by Inland Fisheries Ireland in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Process, before being put forward for a detailed review by a specific evaluation panel for each fund (‘SSTRCPF’ and ‘MFF’). These panels are made up of both Inland Fisheries Ireland staff and angler representatives. The panel recommendations are reviewed by the Development Funding Oversight Group and their recommendation is passed to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland for final decision. Applications for the 2023 fisheries conservation fund will be open towards the end of 2022. Please contact your local fisheries office for more information or visit the funding website (Funding | Inland Fisheries Ireland)