Loughs Agency Delivers Extensive Fisheries Improvement Works Along River Faughan

17th July 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Solar-powered pumps and drinking water troughs ensure safe access and water for animals Credit: Lough Agency

As part of its Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy, the Loughs Agency has delivered a series of enhancement works along the River Faughan in Northern Ireland to improve fish habitats, protect riverbanks and promote sustainable land and water management.

With an investment totalling almost £60,000 (€69,445), the Loughs Agency and local stakeholders implemented a mix of riparian and in-stream habitat improvements at key locations along the Faughan and its tributaries.

These efforts support the health of the river, improve biodiversity and reduce the impact of erosion and sedimentation, the build-up of fine soil particles that can smother fish spawning beds.

Over 2.7km of riparian fencing was installed to create buffer zones and exclude livestock from sensitive habitats | Credit: Loughs Agency

Over 2.7km of riparian fencing was installed to create buffer zones and exclude livestock from sensitive habitats, while access stiles, livestock gates, solar-powered pumps and drinking water troughs ensured safe access and water for animals.

The project team planted 1,000 trees to stabilise the riverbanks, reduce runoff and provide shade and cover for fish and invertebrates.

Further in-stream enhancements included gravel regrading, the use of pinned woody material and revetment works, a method of reinforcing vulnerable riverbanks using natural materials.

Further in-stream enhancements included the use of pinned woody material and revetment works, a method of reinforcing vulnerable riverbanks using natural materials | Credit: Loughs Agency

These soft engineering solutions help improve flow conditions, enhance spawning and nursery habitats and make the river ecosystem more resilient.

Ciarán McGonigle, joint interim designated officer at the Loughs Agency said: “The fisheries improvement works carried out across the River Faughan are a targeted approach to restoring and enhancing our rivers and their tributaries.

“By investing in natural solutions and working closely with local landowners and anglers, we’re protecting vital fish habitats, supporting sustainable fisheries and strengthening the environmental and economic value these rivers provide to the wider community.

“We will continue this work across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments to further enhance local fisheries.”

Published in Loughs Agency, Northern Ireland Waters, Angling

Published in Loughs Agency

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.