Minister launches White River enhancement programme, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Fergus O’Dowd opened the White River enhancement project on 3rd December in Dunleer.

This project was funded by the Louth Leader Partnership with an investment of €32,528 and works were carried out by the Dee and Glyde Fishing Development Association and the Dundalk district staff of Inland Fisheries Ireland.

The White River is a tributary of the River Dee and is hugely important as a spawning and nursery area of the river. Instream enhancement works began in 2006, Inland Fisheries Ireland supervised the works which were carried out by the club. Works included the introduction of new gravel, weirs, deflectors and spawning beds which has helped to restore the White River and help to achieve its ‘natural’ potential in relation to fish density numbers. There have been significant improvements in the levels of juvenile salmon and trout recorded in the river since their completion.

Following the unveiling of a plaque in Dunleer by the Minister, all participants were invited to the Valley Inn at which Jim Curley, Secretary and Gerry Keenan, Chairman thanked all involved.  Speaking at the launch Minister O’Dowd congratulated everyone and welcomed the partnership between the agencies. Dr. Ciaran Byrne, CEO stated ‘The work that I have seen on the river is fantastic and a credit to all involved including the Dundalk District staff, the Dee and Glyde Fishing Development Association and Louth Leader Partnership. I look forward to continuing this partnership’.

Assistant Inspector in Dundalk, Ronan O’Brien, explained that the project was based on restoring the natural features of the river. He said that there were significant improvements following completion of works in the habitat improvement for salmon and trout. This enhancement programme was a great recognition of the work carried out by the Dee and Glyde Fishing Association and the project had greatly strengthened links with the local business and development groups and could be used as a template for other projects in the area.