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IFI Encourages Early Engagement for Barrier Mitigation Fund Scheme 3

Potential applicants are invited to contact Inland Fisheries Ireland ahead of the Expression of Interest phase for Barrier Mitigation Fund Scheme 3.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is encouraging organisations, community groups and other stakeholders interested in improving fish passage and river connectivity to begin preparing now for the upcoming Barrier Mitigation Fund Scheme 3.

The scheme is expected to open for applications in September 2026 and will continue to support projects that improve fish passage and river connectivity by helping to remove or mitigate barriers that prevent fish from accessing important spawning and nursery habitats.

The scheme forms part of the National Barrier Mitigation Programme, which supports projects aimed at reconnecting rivers and improving habitats for migratory and resident fish species across Ireland.

Anyone considering submitting an application is encouraged to contact the Barrier Mitigation Team at barriers@fisheriesireland.ie now to discuss potential projects and prepare for the forthcoming Expression of Interest phase.

Further information, including application guidance, eligibility criteria and key dates, will be made available when the scheme officially opens.

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EPA Catchments Unit

Administrator

The EPA Catchments Unit is based in Dublin, and the team is involved with catchment science, chemistry, ecology, hydromorphology, modelling, Geographic Information Systems and planning. We work with the wider EPA, all of our local authorities, the Local Authority Waters and Communities Office, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and other public bodies and Departments to ensure we have the best available data and information about our catchments.

Who is involved?
Quite simply, everyone in Ireland has a role to play. This can be from something as simple as making sure you don’t pollute your local stream, or a local community working together to establish a Rivers Trust to enhance the rivers and lakes in their area, to a Government Department or Agency helping a Minister implement a new policy to help protect and enhance all our water bodies.

This website has been developed and is maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency, and is a collaboration between the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Local Authority Waters Programme.

Local Authority Waters Programme

The Local Authority Waters Programme coordinates the efforts of local authorities and other public bodies in the implementation of the River Basin Management Plan, and supports local community and stakeholder involvement in managing our natural waters, for everyone’s benefit.

Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA is responsible for coordinating the monitoring, assessment and reporting on the status of our 4,842 water bodies, looking at trends and changes, determining which waterbodies are at risk and what could be causing this, and drafting environmental objectives for each.

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Department is responsible for making sure that the right policies, regulations and resources are in place to implement the Water Framework Directive, and developing a River Basin Management Plan and Programme of Measures to protect and restore our waters.