EU Funded Project on the Lower Shannon Wins Environmental Award

Press Release- 29th November 2013

The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) presented its Irish Environment Award for 2013 to MulkearLIFE in the Lower River Shannon Catchment. MulkearLIFE is a European Commission LIFE+ Nature project working to restore degraded habitats through the Mulkear Catchment which forms part of the Lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation.

The €1.75 million project, which has been active since late 2009, is spear-headed by Inland Fisheries Ireland who act as coordinating beneficiary and work with key project partners in the Office of Public Works and Limerick County Council. The National Parks and Wildlife act as project co-financiers. A range of other stakeholders support the project including local authorities (North & South Tipperary County Councils) as well as other state bodies (ESB Fisheries, Teagasc, Coillte, EPA) and most especially the local community (IFA, ICMSA, Mulkear & District Angling Association, local schools and school children, farmers and volunteers).

In granting its Environment Award for 2013, the Republic of Ireland Branch of the CIWEM noted that MulkearLIFE is one of the most exciting and important river restoration and nature conservation projects ever undertaken on a catchment basis in Ireland. It noted that its work is providing a ‘conservation blueprint’ for future integrated catchment management.The project, which is centred on the Mulkear catchment, covering an area of approximately 650 sq. kms across counties Limerick and Tipperary, is focused on the rehabilitation of degraded river habitats. This work has focused on the conservation and enhancement of habitat for Atlantic Salmon, Sea Lamprey and European Otter. Other work has concentrated on the control and treatment of non-native invasive riparian plant species and work to enhance local biodiversity. Significant efforts have focussed on creating an enhanced environmental awareness of the importance of Mulkear catchment as a resource for all. The local farming community has played a key role in this regard.

MulkearLIFE’s manager, Mr. Ruairí Ó Conchúir, noted that the success of MulkearLIFE has been highly dependent on an active catchment management partnership process and on extensive outreach work to enhance environmental awareness for those living within or near the catchment. He noted that the project has worked hard to promote the importance of the Mulkear catchment on a regional, national and international. Mr. Ó Conchúir stated that a major objective has been the development of strong community links through a comprehensive environmental educational programme within local schools, in addition to actively managed practical conservation outings undertaken by the Mulkear Conservation Volunteers.

Ms. Suzanne Dempsey, Chairperson of the Republic of Ireland Branch of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, stated that she was delighted to acknowledge the contribution of MulkearLIFE in bringing community and government together to plan, manage and enhance the conservation status of the Lower Shannon SAC. She congratulated all involved in MulkearLIFE especially the lead partners in Inland Fisheries Ireland, the OPW and Limerick County Council and wished the project every success.

Dr. Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland thanked CIWEM for the award and the acknowledgement of the work of IFI and its project partners. He thanked all involved in the success of the project to date and especially those involved in MulkearLIFE’s catchment management grouping and local farmers on the ground.

Minister for State Fergus O’ Dowd, TD commended the efforts of the MulkearLIFE team and the funding support of the European Commission LIFE+ Programme. He noted that the funding support was of critical importance in allowing the project to undertake much of its work over the last 4 years and he expressed his hope that the work would continue into 2014.

...ENDS...

For further information on MulkearLIFE go to www.mulkearLIFE.com or email ruairi.oconchuir@fisheriesireland.ie or telephone 061 300 238 / 087 062 5582

Notes for Editors:

Interviews can be arranged with the project manager of MulkearLIFE, Mr. Ruairí Ó Conchúir, by using the contact details listed.
The high resolution digital images attached are available to accompany this press release and are made available on a free fee basis on the condition that they are used solely with the article and credited to the photographer.
Additional High Resolution Digital Images are available to accompany this press release if required.
MulkearLIFE is a €1.75 million European Commission funded LIFE Nature project working on the restoration of the Lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation (Mulkear River catchment) for Atlantic Salmon, Sea Lamprey and European Otter. Further details may be viewed on the project website www.mulkearlife.com
Inland Fisheries Ireland is lead partner together with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Limerick County Council.
Additional funding support comes from National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Other supporters include local anglers, farmers and farming bodies (IFA & ICMSA), ESB Fisheries, Tipperary County Councils (NR & SR), Coillte, Department of Agriculture and Teagacs.

Contact:

Ruairí Ó Conchúir
Project Manager (MulkearLIFE)
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Dock Road, Limerick

Tel: 061 300 238 / Fax: 061 300 308 / 087 062 5582

E-mail: ruairi.oconchuir@fisheriesireland.ie / info@mulkearlife.com
Web: www.mulkearlife.com