A €1 million grant funding is available to support river conservation projects in Galway and around the country.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is providing grant support under the Habitats and Conservation Funding Call 2024 to support fish, and their habitats, in rivers nationwide.
Barry Fox Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland said, “The conservation and protection of Atlantic salmon and sea trout is an integral part of IFI’s progressive and sustainable fisheries management operations.”
“This funding will improve fish habitats and increase juvenile abundance of salmon and trout. A total of €1,050,000 is being allocated in 2024.”
“We are investing in transformative conservation projects that have a strong focus on outcomes”.
“Priority will be given to proposals that rehabilitate damaged river habitats, improve water quality, and help fish traverse physical in-stream barriers, like weirs.”
There are two main funding streams under the IFI’s Habitats and Conservation Fund – the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund, and the Midlands Fisheries Fund.
The money for these schemes comes from the revenue created by salmon and sea trout angling and commercial fishing licences, and the sale of fishing permits.
In 2023, the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund provided a total of €99,273 to 24 projects in counties Cork, Offaly, Donegal, Galway, Clare, Kerry, Kildare, Sligo, Mayo, Meath, Wicklow and Westmeath.
Up to €50,000 is available through the Midlands Fisheries Fund to support angling and sustainable development works in the Midlands Fisheries Group permit area.
Eligible angling clubs, fishery owners and other stakeholders are invited to express their interest in applying for funding.
The closing date for expressions of interest is December 15, and full application details are available online here.
