Important conservation works ongoing along Kilroe River in Galway
Important conservation works that are designed to improve habitats and water quality along the Kilroe River in County Galway are ongoing, thanks to a successful partnership between the local angling community, local landowners and state agencies.
Under the ‘Kilroe Environmental River Enhancement Programme,’ the East Corrib Alliance of angling clubs have been working closely with Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) and local landowners since 2020.
The East Corrib Alliance is made up of four angling clubs, which include the Annaghdown Angling Club, the Glencorrib and Cross Anglers, Headford and Corrib Anglers and Kilbeg Anglers.
Conservation works have included stream maintenance, the narrowing of the main channel, the closing off of drinking slips, as well as the replenishment of gravel for spawning.
To date, around 1.8 kilometres of eco-friendly fencing has been supplied or repaired and alternative drinking troughs for livestock have been installed.
These works are set to improve fish habitats and water quality by stopping livestock from entering the river and potentially damaging riverbanks through providing alternative sources of drinking water.
The works in Corrandulla have been mainly funded locally by the East Corrib Alliance of angling clubs, with on-site support from the OPW and Inland Fisheries Ireland. Once completed, it is hoped that there will also be more spawning and nursery opportunities in the river for Atlantic salmon and brown trout. There are also plans to host school visits to increase awareness of the river’s eco-system and the importance of protecting biodiversity.
Speaking during an inspection of the recent works at the Kilroe River, the newly-appointed Head of Operations with Inland Fisheries Ireland, Barry Fox, said: "Inland Fisheries Ireland is delighted to be associated with this fisheries enhancement project on the Kilroe River. This partnership approach between State Agencies and Angling Stakeholders in delivering habitat improvement and rehabilitation is a template that should be followed for future fisheries enhancement projects".
Several representatives of stakeholder groups inspected the conservation works recently, including Billy Cavanagh and Frank Reilly of the East Corrib Alliance of angling clubs, Conor Ryan of LAWPRO, along with Inland Fisheries Ireland’s CEO, Francis O’ Donnell and its Head of Operations, Barry Fox.
ENDS
Photography:
Photo caption for photograph
Pictured at a recent inspection of conservation works carried out at the Kilroe River in Galway were (from left to right): Conor Ryan (LAWPRO), Billy Cavanagh (Secretary, East Corrib Alliance), Frank Reilly (East Corrib Alliance), Francis O’ Donnell (CEO, Inland Fisheries Ireland) and Barry Fox (Head of Operations, Inland Fisheries Ireland). The Office of Public Works and local landowners are also heavily involved in the project, which is called the ‘Kilroe Environmental River Enhancement Programme.’
For media information
Sarah Bohan/ Sadhbh O’Neill
Communications
Inland Fisheries Ireland
E : sarah.bohan@fisheriesireland.ie/ sadhbh.oneill@fisheriesireland.ie
T : 087 65 39936 / 087 1019998
