Funding for restoration of salmon and trout stocks
Five Meath projects are included in funding for projects in 14 different counties to help restore salmon and trout stocks, and their habitats, announced by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
IFI’s Habitats and Conservation Scheme has awarded a total of €771,295 for 21 new environmental works in 2025. This includes €139,000 for Meath.
The successful projects in Meath are river and riparian habitat restoration on the Trimblestown River, €46,320; gravel works on the Killary River, Benjerstown, €5,050; Killary River fencing - Woodtown, €18,800; habitat restoration on the Skane River, €65,870; Himalayan Balsam removal from the Mattock in the Boyne Catchment, Boyne Rivers Trust Meath, €3,305.
The competitive scheme, administered by IFI, supports sustainable initiatives to ensure native salmon and sea trout survive and thrive, and overcome ongoing challenges they face in the wild.
Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, said: “This investment by IFI will finance vital projects that will help futureproof Ireland’s salmon and sea trout populations. Our migratory Atlantic salmon are in significant decline. The department and IFI are committed to supporting restoration efforts - working with our stakeholders to increase juvenile production of the species.
“This year’s Habitats and Conservation Scheme submissions demonstrate strong leadership in the stewardship of local rivers, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. It’s heartening to see such positive community and stakeholder engagement in the applications.”
Barry Fox, Head of Operations with IFI added: “With these grants IFI is working collaboratively with statutory and non-statutory groups to create resilient habitats for future generations of fish.
“The projects include those that are of national strategic importance, and those that aim to improve damaged habitats in regional catchments failing to meet their conservation limits.”
Since 2016 IFI has provided €8.9m to different groups and fisheries development experts through its Habitats and Conservation Schemes.