IFI launches new fund to help rivers flow freely
- Funding scheme to remove/mitigate barriers that obstruct fish passage now open
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has today launched a new funding scheme to help remove or mitigate man-made barriers to fish passage.
The agency’s Barrier Mitigation Fund will provide grants to support projects that remove barriers in Ireland’s waterways.
The scheme aims to support the removal of 257 barriers over the next three years.
The Barrier Mitigation Fund is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, within an overall programme of up to €100 million to be allocated to barrier mitigation to the end of 2027.
Examples of barriers preventing the passage of migratory fish such as salmon, sea trout, lamprey, or eel include:
- weirs and sluices
- poorly installed bridges and culverts disrupting water flow and the structure of fish habitats
- fords, crossings and dams.
The rock ramp fish pass (left) at Castletown Weir, Co Laois, installed to enable Atlantic salmon to pass the weir and migrate upstream to spawn
Hazel King, Head of the Barrier Mitigation Division at IFI, said: “The launch of IFI’s Barrier Mitigation Fund marks a critical step forward in 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.
"IFI’s new initiative provides the necessary supports to identify and prioritise barrier mitigation projects, enabling their removal or lessening their impacts on rivers.
"When implemented, projects will enable rivers and fish to flow more freely, thereby supporting biodiversity and natural river processes.
"The funding and supports are part of IFI’s collaborative effort to bring life back into our river systems."
Example of a ford, which prevents fish passage
Funding can be sought at all stages of projects—from early planning and design to full construction and handover.
IFI will maintain an oversight on all projects being funded.
Applicants can access support from IFI, such as engineering and planning advice if needed. For example, a property owner wanting to remove a barrier can receive IFI’s support in the planning and construction delivery processes.
Each application for funding will be assessed on its merits, and alignment with the scheme objectives. The level of funding will depend on the project size, stage and anticipated duration.
Expressions of Interest are invited until midnight on Monday June 2nd, 2025.
More information is available here.
