IFI awards almost €15m to tackle fish barriers nationwide

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has announced €14.88m in funding to support the progression of 91 fish barrier mitigation projects nationwide.

The funding is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the National Barrier Mitigation Programme and addresses artificial barriers to fish migration.

The scheme will support the delivery of 91 projects across Ireland. It aims to improve fish passage and aquatic habitats, and to restore connectivity in rivers and streams. It includes 75 new projects and 16 projects progressing to the next stage following earlier supports.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said: "Free-flowing rivers are vital for wildlife and for the ecological health of freshwater ecosystems.

"I’m delighted to be putting almost €15 million towards the next phase of the National Barrier Mitigation Programme so that the removal of 91 separate obstacles to fish passage can be progressed and that the connectivity of more rivers can be restored.

"These projects are making a significant contribution towards Ireland’s goals under both the Water Framework Directive and the Nature Restoration Law, alongside a wide range of measures to improve water quality and freshwater biodiversity more broadly.

"I’d like to thank Inland Fisheries Ireland for its collaboration and wish the teams the best of luck as they progress this important work."

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, emphasised the importance of the National Barrier Mitigation Programme: "This programme is an important element of the Water Action Plan 2024. 

"In this round of funding for the programme, my Department is providing almost €15 million to projects for the year ahead, reflecting the importance of this project to the health of our rivers and streams. 

"In addition to my Department providing this funding, I want to acknowledge the work being done by Inland Fisheries Ireland and the many stakeholders whose collaboration makes the programme a success."

Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine Timmy Dooley TD said: "By improving connectivity across our river systems, this programme will help restore healthier, more resilient rivers and contribute to the recovery of our fish stocks.

"It also highlights the importance of coordinated action in managing our natural resources, protecting our aquatic ecosystems and delivering long-term environmental benefits. This is a practical step forward in meeting our climate and biodiversity commitments."

IFI’s Head of the National Barrier Mitigation Programme Hazel King said: "This funding marks a key transition into the delivery phase of the programme, with Inland Fisheries Ireland now advancing projects on the ground to address river fragmentation.

"It reflects a strong commitment to reconnecting our waterways and enabling fish to move freely once again."

The programme forms part of ongoing national efforts to enhance river connectivity and support biodiversity in line with environmental and climate objectives.

Projects funded under this scheme will contribute to improving habitat quality and enabling the free movement of fish species throughout Ireland’s waterways.

A third funding call is planned in autumn 2026, providing further opportunities for eligible projects to apply for support.

The National Barrier Mitigation Programme is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The list of successful projects is here, with additional details available via this open data dashboard.