Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is advancing the River Dodder Barrier Mitigation Project, a major environmental initiative aimed at improving fish passage, restoring natural river processes, and enhancing ecological resilience along one of Dublin’s most important urban rivers. Six historic weirs between Donnybrook and Dartry—Beaver Row, Smurfit/Clonskeagh, Milltown Drop Weirs, Milltown Apartments Weir, and Dropping Well Weir—have long restricted the upstream movement of Atlantic salmon, sea trout, European eel, lamprey species, and other native fish. 

IFI expects to appoint specialist engineering, environmental and planning consultants in Q1 2026 to lead the Feasibility, Options Selection, Preliminary Design, and Statutory Planning phases of the project. Their work will include detailed ecological and heritage surveys, hydrological and hydraulic assessments, geomorphology and sediment studies, extensive stakeholder engagement, and the preparation of all statutory planning documentation.