Funding announced for fisheries conservation in Mayo
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), 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. A number of the projects are in Mayo.
Funding to the value of €4,920 has been awarded to Glencorrib/Cross Anglers under the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (SSTRCPF) for a feasibility study on the Cross River to identify and map salmonid and wildlife habitats and identify any restoration measures that are required.
Elsewhere, a sum of €23,600 under the SSTRCPF has been awarded for instream restoration works and materials, including planning phase requirements, on the Swinford River.
In addition, €73,389.25 has been awarded under the SSTRCPF for a research study on the River Erriff that will provide additional specific data on adult returns to the sub-catchment on salmonid freshwater and marine survival.
A further total of €14,000 has been awarded for instream restoration materials in conjunction with the OPW including planning phase requirements on the Glore River at Treankeel, Kiltimagh.
Finally, €13,604 has been awarded to the Moy Catchment Association for an appropriate assessment of identified measures in specific locations on the Pollagh River on the Moy, and habitat fencing.
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.
Of the €1,053,390 in funding for 34 projects nationwide, €130k was awarded to Mayo. The rest of the money is going to projects based in Cavan (€35k), Cork (€12k), Donegal (€90k), Dublin (€12k), Galway (€115k), Leitrim (€6k), Limerick (€116k), Louth (€45k), Meath (€224k), Monaghan (€30k), Westmeath (€66k), Wexford (€30k), Wicklow (€9K) and a national project (€135K).
Since 2016, IFI has made more than €5 million available through its various funding schemes. Suzanne Campion, head of business development with IFI, commented: “Conservation and protection are at the heart of the work we do and ensuring fish species, like Atlantic salmon and sea trout, get the best chance possible to thrive in our inland waters.
“The Habitats and Conservation Scheme is made possible through fishing licence income and promotes groups all over the country to be able to work on projects and measures that benefit the conservation of salmon, sea trout and their freshwater habitats.”
Further allocations of funding may be announced later in the year and the full list of projects can be seen at www.fisheriesireland.ie.