Loughs Agency invests €60,00 in Fisheries Improvement Works for River Finn

The River Finn has been prioritised for significant fisheries improvement works as part of a major investment programme announced by the Loughs Agency for 2025.

Some €60,000 has been directed towards enhancement projects on the River Finn, forming part of an overall investment of more than £1 million across the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas.

In total, the funding supported 65 projects across 15 sub-catchments, all aimed at improving fish habitats, enhancing water quality and delivering on commitments set out in the Agency’s Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy.

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The River Finn scheme is among a series of targeted initiatives designed to strengthen the ecological health and long-term resilience of important salmonid rivers.

Alongside the River Finn works, projects were also carried out on rivers including the Clanrye in the Carlingford area, the Quiggery near Omagh and the River Faughan in County Derry. 

A central feature of the overall works involved the creation of extensive riparian buffer zones, with 34.2 kilometres established across the catchments to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff, protect riverbanks from erosion and support biodiversity. Green engineering measures were also installed along 1.8 kilometres of vulnerable river sections to improve bank stability.

Additional improvements included the planting of more than 14,000 native broadleaf trees to provide shade, enhance river structure and create improved habitats for fish and invertebrates. Instream works on priority rivers such as the Finn also involved gravel regrading to improve spawning conditions, supported by the addition of 50 tonnes of gravel and 40 tonnes of rubble mats to reinforce key areas and promote a healthier river system.

Sharon McMahon, Loughs Agency CEO, said: “2025 was an excellent year for fisheries improvement across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. With over £1 million invested across 65 projects, we are protecting vital fish habitats, supporting sustainable fish populations and strengthening the environmental and economic value these rivers bring to local communities.

“The investment reflects our commitments made in our Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy, which ultimately will be the catalyst for continued progress, benefiting our fish populations and the whole ecosystem, environment and angling community.”