Five local river projects receive funding boost to support salmon and trout stocks
Five projects in County Meath aimed at restoring fish habitats and supporting salmon and trout populations have received almost €150,000 in funding from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
A total of €149,532 has been awarded under IFI's Habitats and Conservation Scheme, with projects taking place on the River Boyne and several of its tributaries.
The funding will support habitat restoration and maintenance works designed to improve conditions for native salmon and trout, while also enhancing the wider river environment.
Four of the projects are located on tributaries of the River Boyne, while a fifth focuses on habitat works along the Boyne itself. All projects are being undertaken in collaboration with the Office of Public Works.
The largest allocation, €62,611, has been awarded to a salmon habitat restoration project on the River Deel near Killyon Manor.
A further €54,318 has been allocated to riverbank and river habitat restoration works on the Trimblestown River between Ballyfallon and Ardglasson.
Funding of €14,088 has been awarded for habitat restoration works on the Skane River between Dowdstown and Dunsany.
Meanwhile, €10,580 has been allocated for salmon habitat maintenance works on the Trimblestown River near Kilnagross, while €7,934 will support salmon habitat maintenance works on the River Boyne at Newtown, Trim.
Announcing the funding, Inland Fisheries Ireland chief executive Dr Eamonn Kelly said healthy fish populations play an important role in communities throughout the country.
"Healthy fish populations in Ireland's rivers and lakes make an important contribution to the economic and social fabric of Ireland's villages, towns and cities," he said.
"IFI's Habitats and Conservation Scheme aims to protect and develop this community resource.
"I am pleased that IFI is partnering with communities and stakeholders on this scheme to help restore resilient habitats for new generations of freshwater fish."
The Habitats and Conservation Scheme supports projects aimed at protecting and restoring native salmon and sea trout populations and the habitats on which they depend.
Since 2016, Inland Fisheries Ireland has provided €9.6 million to fisheries development projects and environmental initiatives nationwide through the scheme.
Funding is generated through the sale of salmon and sea trout angling licences and permits, along with commercial fishing licences.
The projects are among a number of successful initiatives announced nationally under this year's scheme and are intended to help native fish populations survive and thrive in the face of ongoing environmental pressures.