A multi-agency approach is needed to remove or remediate thousands of man-made barriers to fish migration in Ireland\u2019s rivers, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.<\/p>\n
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party\u2019s spokesperson on biodiversity, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is happening across Ireland\u2019s network of rivers and streams is nothing less than an ecological tragedy.<\/p>\n
\u201cMan-made barriers such as weirs, dams, culverts, sluices, ramps and bridges are making it impossible for migratory fish to travel upstream to breed. This includes salmon, which is a highly endangered species, as well as trout, lamprey and eels.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been involved in a groundbreaking project in Wicklow, led by the East Wicklow Rivers Trust in partnership with Wicklow County Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO) and a local farmer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe initiative recently saw the completion of a barrier modification programme for the Derry Water river, at Ballinglen Bridge near Tinahely. Using local stones to create a rock ramp under the bridge, this will open up breeding grounds for migratory fish upstream.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is just one local example of what needs to be done on a national level. Under EU Nature Restoration Law, Ireland will be obliged to remove or remediate these obstacles.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven the scale of the challenge ahead, a multi-agency approach will be required to remove the tens of thousands of man-made barriers in Ireland\u2019s waterways.\u201d<\/p>\n
September 24, 2024<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A multi-agency approach is needed to remove or remediate thousands of man-made barriers to fish migration in Ireland\u2019s rivers, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party\u2019s spokesperson on biodiversity, said: \u201cWhat is happening across Ireland\u2019s network of rivers and streams is nothing less than an ecological tragedy. \u201cMan-made barriers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7398,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[268,562,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7397","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-jennifer-whitmore","category-nature-restoration","category-press-release"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n