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As part of its Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy, Loughs Agency has delivered a series of enhancement works in rivers and tributaries throughout the Carlingford catchment area in Newry and Omeath, to improve fish habitats, protect riverbanks and promote sustainable land and water management.
With a combined investment totalling over £93,000 (approx. €108,000), Loughs Agency and local stakeholders implemented a mix of riparian and instream habitat improvements at key locations including Kilmore Burn, Finnard Cullion, Turmore and the Ryland River. These efforts support the health of waterways, improve biodiversity and reduce the impact of erosion and sedimentation.
Across the projects, over 1.55km of riparian fencing and 600m of fencing repairs were carried out to create buffer zones and exclude livestock from sensitive habitats. Livestock gates, access stiles, solar-powered pumps, concrete troughs and drinking water systems ensured safe access and water for animals. The project team planted 800 native trees to stabilise riverbanks, reduce runoff and provide shade and cover for fish and invertebrates.
Further instream enhancements included the addition of 20 tonnes of spawning gravel, substrate removal and bank reprofiling, fixing of bank breaches, installation of pinned woody material, 690m of soft engineering works to strengthen vulnerable areas. These natural engineering solutions improve flow conditions, enhance spawning and nursery habitats and make the river ecosystem more resilient.
Sharon McMahon, CEO at Loughs Agency, said: “The Fisheries Improvement works across the Carlingford catchment are a vital step in achieving one of our core objectives, which is to protect and conserve the fish stocks and aquatic ecosystems we manage. By investing in natural solutions and working closely with local landowners and anglers, we’re protecting vital fish habitats, supporting sustainable fish stocks and strengthening the environmental and economic value these rivers provide to the wider community. This work is continuing across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments to further enhance local ecosystems.”
The Projects
Carlingford Catchment Projects
Total investment: £93,375
Number of projects: 4
Kilmore Burn Fisheries Improvement Project
• Cost: £15,240
• Works: 2 pumps, 4 concrete troughs, 950m fencing, 1 access stile, 1 access gate, 3 livestock gates, 15m soft engineering, 500 trees
Finnard Cullion Fisheries Improvement Project
• Cost: £39,759
• Works: 300m soft engineering, 20-ton spawning gravel, 300m fencing, 200m fencing repair, livestock gates, 3 troughs, 3 pumps
Turmore Fisheries Improvement Project
• Cost: £32,787
• Works: 3 solar-powered pumps, 3 drinking water troughs, 300m fencing, 400m fencing repair, 6 access stiles, 1 livestock gate, 300 native broadleaf trees, 75m soft engineering
Ryland River Fisheries Improvement Project
• Cost: £5,589.87
• Works: 60m substrate removal and bank reprofiling, 2 breaches fixed, 100m double bank construction and reprofiling
For more information on the various fisheries improvement works carried out by Loughs Agency, visit: www.loughs-agency.org
