Thousands in funding from Inland Fisheries Ireland awarded to North Leitrim river project

A fishery conservation project in Leitrim has received over €15,000 in funding from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

The funding is part of a wider initiative supporting projects in 14 counties aimed at restoring salmon and trout stocks and their habitats. The grant will go towards a fencing project on the Drowes River.

Located on the border between County Leitrim and County Donegal, the Drowes River is a renowned destination for salmon and trout fishing. 

It is one of Ireland’s premier spring and summer salmon fisheries, known for producing the first salmon of the year and for its popularity among brown trout anglers.

The first salmon of the 2025 season from the Drowes River was landed on January 30, according to Drowes Salmon Fishery. 

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The fishery offers salmon and trout fishing holidays with accommodation, a ghillie service, boat hire for Lough Melvin, and an onsite tackle shop.

The North Leitrim river is also considered angler-friendly, featuring several miles of wooden walkways and stiles along its banks.

The fencing project on the River Drowes received a total of €15,647 from IFI aimed to help protect riverbanks, such as the installation of fencing and stiles.

IFI’s Habitats and Conservation Scheme has allocated €771,295 for 21 new environmental works in 2025. 

The competitive scheme supports sustainable efforts to ensure the survival and prosperity of native salmon and sea trout, helping them overcome ongoing challenges in the wild.

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“With these grants Inland Fisheries Ireland is working collaboratively with statutory and non-statutory groups to create resilient habitats for future generations of fish,” said Barry Fox, Head of Operations with IFI.

“The projects include those that are of national strategic importance, and those that aim to improve damaged habitats in regional catchments failing to meet their conservation limits,” he added.

Since 2016, IFI has provided €8.9 million to various groups and fisheries development experts through its Habitats and Conservation Schemes.