£1m Loughs Agency investment puts spotlight on Omagh river works

A MAJOR programme of fisheries improvement works worth more than £1 million is being rolled out across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments in 2025, with significant investment directed towards rivers in the Omagh area.

The Loughs Agency has confirmed that £37,000 has been invested in works on the Quiggery River near Omagh, forming part of a wider package of 65 projects delivered across 15 sub-catchments. The schemes are designed to improve fish habitats, enhance water quality, and strengthen river resilience in the long term.

The Omagh-area works focus on restoring and protecting key sections of the river through measures such as riparian buffer zones, erosion control and instream habitat improvements. These interventions are designed to support sustainable fish populations while also delivering wider environmental benefits for local communities.

Across the wider catchment area, projects were also carried out on rivers including the Clanrye in the Carlingford area (£39,000), the River Finn in Donegal (€60,000) and the River Faughan in County Derry/Londonderry (£57,000).

A major element of the 2025 programme has been the creation of 34.2 kilometres of riparian buffer zones, helping to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff, protect riverbanks from erosion and improve biodiversity. In addition, 1.8 kilometres of green engineering works were installed to stabilise vulnerable river sections.

More than 14,000 native broadleaf trees were planted to provide shade and improved habitat for fish and invertebrates, while instream enhancements included gravel regrading to improve spawning areas. This work was supported by the addition of 50 tonnes of gravel and 40 tonnes of rubble mats at priority sites.

Loughs Agency Chief Executive Sharon McMahon said the investment marked a strong year for fisheries protection and enhancement.

“2025 was an excellent year for fisheries improvement across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments,” she said. “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.

“This investment reflects the commitments set out in our Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy and will act as a catalyst for continued progress, benefiting fish populations, ecosystems and the angling community alike.”

Further details on the fisheries improvement projects carried out in 2025 are available at loughs-agency.org.