IFI announces opening of new barrier mitigation programme funding round

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has opened a new round of funding in the National Barrier Mitigation Scheme.

This follows from a successful roll out of the scheme this year, in which €13.6 million was awarded to 103 projects across the country to address physical barriers in Irish waterways, such as dams, culverts and weirs that affect fish passage.

The agency’s Barrier Mitigation Fund will support projects from early planning and design to full construction and habitat restoration.

Local authorities or other agencies involved in the management of Irish water bodies are encouraged to apply for this funding, as well as local angling groups or barrier owners.

The purpose of the funding scheme is to help remove or mitigate man-made barriers to fish passage in Irish rivers and streams, supporting IFI’s ongoing commitment to improving fish passage, restoring connectivity, and enhancing biodiversity in rivers and streams nationwide.

The scheme is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Examples of the types of barriers eligible for funding include:

• Old, unused weirs or sluices that obstruct migratory fish such as salmon, sea trout, lamprey or eel;
• Redundant structures or culverts disrupting water flow and habitats;
• Fords or dams no longer serving their original purpose.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said: "I wanted to ensure the continuation of funding of these really important barrier mitigation projects across Ireland.

"This work around barrier mitigation is about improving water quality, restoring river connectivity and improving fish migration in our waterways.

"We want the natural movement of fish in our rivers and waterways.

"This programme allows those who are in ownership of existing barriers to receive funding to mitigate them. When implemented, these projects will enable rivers and fish to flow more freely, adding to our Water Framework Directive and Nature Restoration Plan objectives, conservation objectives in Special Areas of Conservation and the requirements of the Habitats Directive Annex II and V listed fish species."

Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, added: "The National Barrier Mitigation Programme supports practical, on-the-ground actions to address barriers and help restore river connectivity, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity.

"I welcome this new round of funding, and I strongly encourage eligible organisations to engage with the Programme and take advantage of this funding opportunity."

Hazel King, the Head of the National Barrier Mitigation Programme, said: "The launch of IFI’s second Barrier Mitigation Fund demonstrates IFI’s ongoing commitment to restoring the health and connectivity of our rivers.

"Across Ireland, thousands of barriers such as weirs, bridges and culverts cause the fragmentation of fish habitats and block the natural movement of fish and sediment in our rivers."

Applications must be led by a State Agency or Local Authority, but individuals or other groups can apply with IFI as the lead agency, following a successful Expression of Interest (EOI).

Full fund details are available here and submissions can be made until March 4th, 2026.

All applications must be submitted through IFI’s funding portal.

Funding can be sought at all stages of projects—from early planning and design to full construction and handover.