The Irish Government has announced a €13.6 million investment to support 103 projects across the country under the Barrier Mitigation Programme, led by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). These projects aim to restore free-flowing rivers by addressing physical barriers such as dams and weirs that disrupt waterways, degrade river function, and hinder fish migration. The initiative is expected to improve aquatic ecosystems, support fish populations, and enhance overall biodiversity.
The funding, provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, follows a 2025 call from IFI to identify and prioritize projects based on ecological and implementation criteria. The selected projects will progress through various phases over the next one to five years, contributing to river restoration and improved water quality.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne highlighted that these mitigation projects are a significant step toward enhancing river connectivity and fish migration, laying the foundation for long-term improvements in water quality. IFI began work in 2018 to create a barrier inventory and prioritization system, assessing the ecological impact of longitudinal barriers across Ireland. The establishment of the Barrier Mitigation Programme in 2024 formalized efforts to mitigate these impacts, with the current announcement representing substantial progress.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan emphasized that the projects are an investment in river health, supporting iconic and threatened species such as Atlantic salmon, European eel, and lamprey, while contributing to Ireland’s obligations under the Nature Restoration Law. The programme aligns with requirements under the Water Framework Directive, the Habitats Directive, and EU Biodiversity Strategy targets, including the restoration of at least 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers by 2030.
Barry Fox, Deputy CEO of IFI, noted that the agency is committed to restoring natural connectivity in Irish rivers. By removing obstacles to fish migration, these barrier mitigation works will help ensure the long-term sustainability and productivity of Ireland’s waterways, supporting both ecological health and community enjoyment of local rivers.
