17 projects in 11 counties across the country are in line for funding worth an overall €774,000 from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) under the ‘Habitats and Conservation Scheme 2021’.

According to IFI, eligible angling clubs, commercial fishermen and fishery owners were invited to apply for financial assistance to support fisheries conservation projects in their local areas under two different funds.

These were: the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (SSTRCPF), which provided €744,326 in funding; and the Midland Fisheries Fund (MFF), which provided €29,778 in funding.

The €774,000 in funding for 17 projects approved so far this year will go to projects based in counties Carlow, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Mayo, Wexford, Westmeath and Wicklow.

Examples include:

The announcement has been welcomed by Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, who said:

“The Habitats and Conservation Scheme 2021 is a great example of proactive conservation and protection of habitats.

Since 2016, Inland Fisheries Ireland has made more than €4 million available through its various funding schemes, including the two 2021 funds.

Suzanne Campion, head of business development with Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Protecting and conserving fish species, like Atlantic salmon and sea trout, is critical to the overall health of our eco-system.

"Threats like water pollution, climate change and invasive species are all having a damaging impact," she said.

According to IFI, to be eligible, applicants to the SSTRCPF must have purchased a valid salmon and sea trout angling licence or a commercial fishing licence or for the MFF, hold a current Midlands Fisheries Group permit.