Following on from a successful roll out of the National Barrier Mitigation Scheme this year, in which €13.6 million was awarded to 103 projects across the country to address physical barriers in Irish waterways, such as dams, culverts and weirs that affect fish passage, a new round of funding has now been opened by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
The agency’s Barrier Mitigation Fund will support projects from early planning and design to full construction and habitat restoration. The purpose of the funding scheme is to help remove or mitigate man-made barriers to fish passage in Irish rivers and streams, supporting IFI’s ongoing commitment to improving fish passage, restoring connectivity, and enhancing biodiversity in rivers and streams nationwide.
Local authorities or other agencies involved in the management of Irish water bodies are encouraged to apply for this funding, as well as local angling groups or barrier owners.
Examples of the types of barriers eligible for funding include old, unused weirs or sluices that obstruct migratory fish such as salmon, sea trout, lamprey or eel; redundant structures or culverts disrupting water flow and habitats; along with fords or dams no longer serving their original purpose.
Funding can be sought at all stages of projects – from early planning and design to full construction and handover.
MARCH 2026 DEADLINE
Applications must be led by a State Agency or Local Authority, but individuals or other groups can apply with IFI as the lead agency, following a successful Expression of Interest (EOI).
Full fund details are available at https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/funding-schemes and submissions can be made until March 4th, 2026. All applications must be submitted through IFI’s funding portal.
The scheme is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
