A funding call of up to €1 million to support vital conservation projects around the country has been welcomed by the Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan.
“I would encourage all eligible groups and stakeholders to apply,” he said.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) will oversee distribution of the funding and priority will be given to projects that focus on improving water quality, rehabilitating damaged habitats and helping fish overcome physical barriers.
Since 2016, more than €5 million has been awarded to over 250 projects under the Habitats and Conservation scheme. Last year, a total of €785,604 was approved for 18 projects, based in Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Mayo, Roscommon, Wexford, Westmeath and Wicklow.
Examples included the construction of rock ramp passages and installation of fencing to improve water quality. This work restricted livestock from entering rivers and an alternative source was provided for drinking water.
Suzanne Campion, IFI’s head of business development, said: “Damaged riverine habitats can lead to poorer water quality; climate change can lead to rising water temperatures and invasive species can mean more threats to biodiversity.
“Under the Habitats and Conservation Scheme, made possible through fishing licence income, groups can now apply for grants that [will] benefit the conservation of freshwater fish and habitats.”
An information guide is available at www.fisheriesireland.ie/services/funding. As part of a new two-step process, applicants must first complete an 'Expression of Interest' application on IFI's online grant portal before 5:30pm on Friday, December 17th 2021.
After the expression of interest has been completed, full applications must then be submitted to the online grant portal by 5:30pm on Friday, January 28th, 2022.
Proposed 22-cage fish farm raising serious concerns in Connemara
An extremely concerned Connemara angler wishes to highlight the recent application by MOWI (formally Marine Harvest) for a licence to construct a 22-cage fish farm in an area of Connemara which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation.
“If this licence is granted it will be the death knell for all of the Connemara rivers, especially the Kylemore River, which enters the sea at Ballinakill Bay – the proposed location for the mega farm.
“It would be the largest fish farm on the west coast and would also have a devastating impact on hotels and guesthouses which depend on angling to survive,” he said.
River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien, has published the draft River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027 for public consultation and now invites submissions, observations and comments on the proposed plan.
Achieving good water quality in rivers, lakes, estuaries and seas is essential for protecting Ireland’s drinking water sources, environment and people’s quality of life. The plan is produced in implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive.
The public is invited to an online meeting to hear more and have their say on Wednesday, 24th November, at 7pm via Zoom. Please register at: https://tinyurl.com/dxvt98yc.
For more information contact Thomas Carolan, Community Water Officer on 085-871 6896 or tcarolan@lawaters.ie. Online at www.lawaters.ie. Facebook @LAWPROteam. Twitter @watersprogramme.
If you have an angling story to share, please send to me at angling@irishtimes.com.
