Key restoration works on Ward River will help fish population

The revitalisation of the Ward River Regional Park in Swords is continuing with the  commencement of works to help enhance outdoor recreation, biodiversity, water quality and the visual amenity of the 80-hectare park. 

Restoration works in the Ushers Lake area of the park will make it easier for Salmon, Sea Trout, Eels and Lamprey to migrate upstream and spawn in the Ward River thanks to the removal of two weirs along the route. It will also allow young fish to freely swim downstream to the estuary and the sea.

Alongside this, the council has commenced construction of a fish by-pass channel at Ushers lake at the western end of the Ward River Valley. The 17th century cascades on the main channel have proven to be a major barrier to fish migration. The construction of a new 60m long channel will allow fish to bypass this barrier and make their way up the river to spawn. 

Works underway will also remove rock armour from the riverbank which has impacted the flow of the river, further transforming the river into a precious natural amenity in the heart of Swords and helping to unlock the future potential of the park.

Hans Visser, Biodiversity Officer with Fingal County Council said: “This is vital work we’re undertaking to help make the Ward River easier to navigate for migratory fish. Inland Fisheries Ireland had identified three major and five smaller barriers to fish migration on the Ward River. The first two are now being dealt with and we have appointed consultants to look at the other barriers too.” 

“The removal of the rock armour along the bank will release the river from its rocky straight jacket. There is lots of space within the park to allow water to flow naturally. Tree planting on the banks this winter will provide more shade to reduce the water temperature and establish some natural bank protection.”

The Council is committed to revitalising Ward River Regional Park in order to create a space that will benefit all users on the doorstep of Fingal’s county town. Protection and enhancement of the existing heritage, ecology and biodiversity is a key element of the park’s future, along with developing new links within the park and with the wider area.

Under the EU Water Framework Directive, member states are required to improve the ecological status or potential of water bodies. The removal of fish migration barriers and river restoration are priority actions in the Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030. 

Inland Fisheries Ireland has identified a number of fish migration barriers in other rivers in Fingal, and the Council is looking at how best to remove these wherever possible over the next couple of years.