Kilkenny fishermen can reel in funding from €1m scheme

Kilkenny fishermen have been urged to reel in up to €1 million in shared funding from a Government conservation scheme.

The fundins if part of Inland of a Fisheries Ireland’s Habitats & Conservation scheme for 2022.

Allocating up to €1 million, applications for funding will be available for fishery owners, angling clubs and other stakeholders around the country.

Priority will be given to projects focusing on fish habitat conservation and rehabilitation, such as the improvement of water quality and fish passages.

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan welcomed the funding call and encouraged all eligible Kilkenny people stakeholders to apply.

“The Habitats and Conservation Scheme is a great example of how we can encourage and support the stewardship role of managing our natural resources across the country. This important environmental scheme supports angling clubs, fishery owners, and stakeholders – in helping them to improve damaged habitats, water quality and fish passage,” the minister said.

“The works and studies supported by the scheme in the future will also recruit in wider benefits for the environment. As the funding call is now open, I would encourage any eligible group or stakeholder in Kilkenny to contact Inland Fisheries Ireland and express their interest in applying for this grant before the deadline.”

In 2021 a total of €785,604 was allocated to fund for 18 projects based in Galway, Laois, Kilkenny, Donegal, Cork, Roscommon, Limerick, Mayo, Westmeath, Wicklow and Wexford. Examples of these projects included the construction of rock ramp passages to provide upstream or downstream travel for fish, as well as the installation of alternative sources of drinking water for livestock.

Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland, says that fish protection and conservation plays a crucial role in the protection of the country’s eco-system.

Ms Campion added: “Damaged riverine habitats can lead to poorer water quality, climate change can lead to rising water temperatures and invasive species can mean even more threats to biodiversity. These are having a damaging impact on our rivers and lakes and all species that depend on them for survival. Under the Habitats and Conservation Scheme, made possible through fishing license income, groups in Kilkenny can now for grants to fund projects and measures that benefit the conservation of freshwater fish and habitats.”

*For more information, visit: http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/services/funding