SALMON SCREENING ALONG FANE

INLAND Fisheries Ireland are set to support a new screening project on the River Fane in Dundalk

The project, which will be funded under the Salmon Conservation Fund, may support future salmon conservation works on the river and will be managed by the Dundalk Salmon Anglers.

In June, Inland Fisheries Ireland announced the opening of the Salmon Conservation Fund through the National Strategy for Angling Development Scheme 2018 with a fund available for habitat restoration and conservation projects. This project in Louth will see an investment of €1,500 by Inland Fisheries Ireland on the River Fane at Knockbridge, Grange, Dundalk.

The funding is set to support an ‘Appropriate Assessment Screening’ project which will be carried out on the site to determine if future salmon conservation projects may be suitable.

The National Strategy for Angling Development aims to ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastruc- ture are protected and enhanced with a view to ensuring a sustainable habitat and the delivery of the economic, health and recreational benefits they offer to communities across Ireland. Applications to the 2018 scheme were invited from groups, associations, clubs, local authorities and other appropriate bodies looking to support habitat restoration and conservation.

Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development said: ‘ The initiative in Louth will see the Dundalk Salmon Anglers undertake Appropriate Assessment Screening on the River Fane, a crucial step before potential salmon conservation works can be carried out.’

‘ The conservation of our indigenous fish populations is crucial if we are to ensure the sustainability of our fisheries resource in the long term. The National Strategy for Angling Development Scheme supports projects nationwide, such as this one in Louth, which is focusing on restoration and conservation. We look forward to supporting Dundalk Salmon Anglers in the delivery of this project this year.’