CFPs: Habitats and Conservation Grant Programme (Ireland)

Ireland’s Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) Habitats and Conservation Grant Programme funds projects that protect, restore, and enhance fisheries habitats. The programme operates two schemes—the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (up to €1,000,000) and the Midlands Fisheries Fund (€75,000)—supporting science-based interventions that improve water quality, fish passage, spawning areas, and riparian zones. Eligible applicants include licence holders, angling clubs, fishery owners, and permit holders, with applications moving from an initial EOI to full proposals.

Overview

The Habitats and Conservation Grant Programme supports environmental restoration and sustainable fisheries management across Ireland. IFI funds projects that deliver measurable habitat improvements, enhance fish populations, and strengthen conservation outcomes for salmon, sea trout, and other freshwater species.

Funding Streams

IFI manages two complementary funding schemes under the 2025–2026 call:

Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (SSTRCPF)

• Total funding: Up to €1,000,000

• Supports large-scale rehabilitation and conservation efforts

• Targets threatened salmon and sea trout populations

• Open to licence holders, angling clubs, commercial fishermen, and fishery owners

• Prioritizes high-impact ecological restoration

Midlands Fisheries Fund (MFF)

• Total funding: €75,000

• Dedicated to the Midland Fisheries Group permit area

• Focus: habitat enhancement, angler benefit, research, and fish stock protection

• Applicants must hold a current Midlands Fisheries Group permit

What the Programme Supports

IFI prioritizes practical, science-backed, and measurable conservation actions.

Eligible Project Activities

• Fish passage improvements

  • Feasibility studies

  • Design and options reports

• Spawning habitat enhancement

  • Gravel raking or addition

  • Cleaning existing spawning substrates

• In-stream restoration

  • Woody weirs, rubble mats, boulder placements

  • Woody deflectors and other natural features

• Riparian zone improvement

  • Sensitive tree management

  • Riverbank stabilization (soft engineering, log revetments, woody debris)

  • Fencing, stiles, and solar cattle drinkers

• Stock protection and water-quality improvement

  • Measures that reduce sedimentation or pollution

• Research and angling promotion (Midlands Fisheries Fund only)

Priority Criteria

IFI gives preference to projects that:

• Deliver significant benefits for salmon or sea trout

• Fall within IFI’s operational remit

• Include co-funding or in-kind contributions from partners such as NPWS, LAWPRO, or local groups

• Are feasible, cost-efficient, and clearly linked to conservation outcomes

Why It Matters

Ireland’s salmon and sea trout populations face severe pressure from habitat degradation, climate impacts, and water-quality decline. These grants provide essential resources to rebuild ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, support sustainable angling, and strengthen community stewardship of rivers and lakes.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility varies by scheme:

For the SSTRCPF

• Licence holders

• Angling clubs

• Fishery owners

• Commercial fishermen
  Applicants must demonstrate direct interest in wild salmon and sea trout conservation.

For the Midlands Fisheries Fund

• Only applicants holding a current Midland Fisheries Group permit

• Projects must deliver both habitat and angler benefits

General Eligibility Requirements

• Ability to meet IFI’s governance and environmental standards

• Experience with habitat, fisheries, or ecological work

• Capacity to deliver the proposed project in compliance with Irish regulations

How to Apply

IFI uses a two-stage process: Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by a full application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

   • Required for both schemes

   • Must be completed before the EOI deadline

2. Wait for EOI Review

   • Projects that pass initial checks proceed to the next stage

3. Develop the Full Application

   • Must align exactly with the EOI

   • Must include environmental considerations, timelines, budgets, and technical details

4. Undergo Environmental and Technical Assessment

   • Reviewed by IFI specialists and independent experts

   • Evaluated for feasibility, value for money, and conservation impact

5. Receive Decision Notification

   • Projects may be approved, approved with modifications, or rejected with feedback

Key Deadlines

• EOI to Full Application Transfer Deadline: 11 December

• Final Full Application Deadline: 17:00, 3 February 2025

• Funding Decisions Announced: May 2026

• No EOIs for 2026 accepted after the deadline

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting EOIs after 11 December

• Changing project scope between the EOI and full application

• Failing to demonstrate technical feasibility or conservation impact

• Lack of co-funding where beneficial

• Incomplete environmental information

• Applying to the Midlands Fund without a valid permit

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply to both funding schemes?
Yes, if you meet eligibility requirements for each scheme and each project is distinct.

2. Are individuals allowed to apply?
No, applicants must be permit holders, licence holders, clubs, fishery managers, or organizations.

3. Can a project focus solely on angling promotion?
Not under SSTRCPF; angling promotion is only eligible under the Midlands Fisheries Fund and must also support habitat or conservation goals.

4. What happens if my EOI is late?
Late EOIs are not accepted, and you cannot submit a full application without an approved EOI.

5. Are soft engineering riverbank protections eligible?
Yes, measures such as log revetments and large woody debris are encouraged.

6. Can I apply if my project is outside the Midlands permit area?
Yes, but only under SSTRCPF. The Midlands Fisheries Fund is location-restricted.

7. When will applicants receive funding decisions?
All decisions will be released in May 2026.

Conclusion

The Inland Fisheries Ireland Habitats and Conservation Grant Programme offers a major opportunity to restore ecosystems, protect vulnerable fish species, and support sustainable angling. By funding science-based interventions and community-led conservation work, IFI strengthens Ireland’s freshwater environments for future generations while empowering local groups to deliver meaningful ecological impact.