Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has announced funding for projects in seven counties to help restore salmon and trout stocks and their habitats.
IFI’s Habitats and Conservation Scheme 2026 has awarded €728,909 for 16 innovative environmental projects.
The competitive scheme, administered by IFI, supports sustainable initiatives to ensure native salmon and sea trout survive and thrive, and overcome ongoing challenges they face in the wild.
This year financial assistance will be provided to projects across the Republic of Ireland in Meath (€149.5k), Mayo (€49.6k), Clare (€50.4k), Offaly (€55k), Donegal (€33.1k), Cork (€77.3k), Sligo (€62.5k) and for national projects (€251.2k).
A large woody tree wedge installation used in river habitat restoration on the Vartry River in Wicklow | Credit: IFI
The transformative fish conservation projects include:
- A genetic study on the River Blackwater in Co Cork to collect 2,000 juvenile salmonid (salmon and trout) samples from spawning streams for analysis, with key assistance from local anglers.
- The Killavullen fishery project in Co Cork to develop a river habitat restoration plan following the fish kill on the River Blackwater.
- The Inagh River solar pump project in Co Clare to support riverbank restoration by fencing off cattle access points, and installing water pumps for livestock.
- A national project to create a best-practice design guidance manual for using large wood in habitat restoration to encourage natural river processes. It will be based in different river ecosystems in counties Galway, Dublin, Wicklow, Meath and Kildare.
- A salmon habitat restoration project on the Deel River in Co Meath to augment spawning gravels to facilitate salmonid spawning and nursery grounds.
- The Kilnagross Trimblestown riparian restoration project in Co Meath to replenish the gravels in this traditionally excellent salmonid spawning area which is showing a gradual decrease in spawning success.
- The Doonbeg riverbank planting project in Co Clare to enhance salmon habitats using native tree species to provide shade to keep the river cooler in warm periods.
Monies for the scheme are generated by the sale of salmon and sea trout angling licences and permits as well as commercial fishing licences in Ireland.
The Habitats and Conservation Scheme also includes two separate projects — receiving €34,700 from the Midland Fisheries Fund — to restore trout habitats and works that are of benefit to anglers.
Announcing the award recipients, Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley said: “Atlantic salmon and sea trout are among Ireland’s most important native species but they continue to face significant pressures from habitat degradation to climate change.
“Protecting these species requires sustained investment and strong partnerships between Government, State agencies and local communities.
“This funding will support practical conservation projects designed to improve the long-term resilience of Ireland’s wild salmonid populations.
“It is particularly encouraging to see local communities and stakeholders playing such an active role in safeguarding these valuable natural resources and local natural amenities for future generations.”
The Doonbeg riverbank planting project in Co Clare aims to enhance salmon habitats using native tree species to provide shade to keep the river cooler in warm periods | Credit: IFI
IFI chief executive Dr Eamonn Kelly added: “Healthy fish populations in Ireland’s rivers and lakes make an important contribution to the economic and social fabric of Ireland’s villages, towns and cities. IFI’s Habitats and Conservation Scheme aims to protect and develop this community resource.
“I am pleased that IFI is partnering with communities and stakeholders on this scheme to help restore resilient habitats for new generations of freshwater fish.”
Since 2016, IFI has provided €9.6 million to different groups and fisheries development experts through its Habitats and Conservation Scheme, which comprises the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund and the Midland Fisheries Fund.
A list of the successful applicants for 2026 can be found on the IFI website HERE.
