Coosan Anglers among recipients of fisheries conservation funding

Coosan & District Anglers was among a number of groups in Westmeath which were awarded funding for fisheries conservation initiatives, it was announced today (Wednesday).

The Athlone group was awarded €10,612 for an Appropriate Assessment Screening report / Natura Impact Statement, including associated design, on the Tang and Creggy Rivers in Westmeath.

This was one of 34 projects, in 14 counties, which were awarded funding under this year's Habitats and Conservation Scheme.

Elsewhere in the county, €6,795 was awarded to Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association for the introduction of appropriate soft engineering techniques for riverbank restoration on the Tudenham River, Mullingar.

Fore Heritage and Amenity Group was awarded €12,983 for 1km of habitat fencing, provision of 5 land-based cattle troughs, 2 solar pumps and associated pipework on the Glore River in Westmeath.

A further €5,275 was awarded to Fore Heritage and Amenity Group also for a habitat management plan incorporating appropriate soft engineering, in-stream restoration as well as habitat fencing and footbridges on the River Glore in Castlepollard.

In addition, funding of €30,000 under the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund was awarded for instream and riverbank restoration works and materials, including planning phase requirements, on the Stonyford River, on the Boyne, at Stonestown, Delvin, Westmeath.

Under two separate funds, the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund and the Midland Fisheries Fund, eligible angling clubs, commercial fishermen and fishery owners had been invited to apply for financial assistance to support fisheries conservation projects in their local areas.

Over €1 million in funding for 34 projects was approved so far this year, going to projects based in Cavan (€35K), Cork (€12K), Donegal (€90K), Dublin (€12K), Galway (€115K), Leitrim (€6K), Limerick (€116K), Louth (€45K), Mayo (€130K), Meath (€224K), Monaghan (€30K), Westmeath (€66K), Wexford (€30K), Wicklow (€9K) and a national project (€135K).

Further allocations of funding may be announced later in the year and the full list of projects can be seen at www.fisheriesireland.ie