Inland Fisheries Ireland is to provide €13.6 million to progress 103 projects aimed at reducing barriers to fish migration across the country.

Agreements are being issued to successful applicants, including State bodies and local authorities, to enable works that will lessen the ecological impact of structures blocking fish travel.

The Barrier Mitigation Division is targeting weirs, culverts, sluices, bridges and dams that obstruct natural water flow and fish movement in rivers, lakes and streams.

Hazel King, Head of the Division, said the funding will support IFI’s commitment to improving fish passage. “It will help restore connectivity for migrating and resident fish species and enhance biodiversity in waterways nationwide,” she said.

Barry Fox, Deputy Chief Executive of IFI, said removing obstacles is vital for species such as wild Atlantic salmon, European eel and lamprey. “Reopening these natural pathways strengthens ecosystem resilience, boosts native fish populations and supports the long term sustainability of our rivers,” he said.

Many barriers were historically built for industrial use or navigation and are now redundant. The Division’s objective is to restore natural river processes, improve water quality and enhance biodiversity in line with national and EU environmental policies.

A second funding call is planned for late 2025. The National Barrier Mitigation Programme is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.