Cairde an Chláir is an association of three angling clubs along the Clare River.
Our mission is to protect and improve wild brown trout and salmon fisheries in the Clare River catchment which feeds Lough Corrib.
Foreword
Over the past few years, Cairde an Chláir has embarked on an incredible journey of conservation and restoration along the River Clare to support the greater catchment area of Lough Corrib. It fills me with immense satisfaction to reflect on the strides we have made in protecting the habitats of our cherished brown trout and salmon populations.
Since 2020, Cairde an Chláir has undertaken significant stream habitat restoration projects, each one designed to safeguard the delicate balance of ecosystems along the River Clare.
This year, 2024, marks our most ambitious yet. We are poised to complete habitat restoration work on four additional sites as part of our comprehensive five-year plan, as we seek to restore more natural habitats for juvenile wild brown trout and salmon. Our efforts have been bolstered by a materials budget of €20,000, with further funding applications underway for essential initiatives such as fencing and tree planting on the Nanny River at Drumaskin Bridge.
None of our accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support of our member clubs. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in these clubs for their commitment to our cause. Through their generous contributions and dedication, Cairde an Chláir has been able to secure vital funding for our development projects.
Equally deserving of recognition are the landowners and farmers who have graciously supported our development schemes. Their cooperation has been important for our success and we are deeply appreciative of their continued partnership.
I would like to thank our valued partners including Inland Fisheries Ireland, whose steadfast commitment to our shared goals has been extremely valued, and the Wild Trout Trust for the advice and visits they provided free of charge, Their involvement underscores the collective effort required to effect meaningful change and ensure the long-term sustainability of all waterways in the west of Ireland.
Furthermore, I extend our thanks to the Salmon and Seatrout Conservation Fund, the Clydagh Foundation, LawPro for their generous support and vital contributions to our efforts. Without their support, our work would not be possible.
While we celebrate our recent achievements, there is still much to do, as we seek to complete further ambitious projects and we await a decision from the Government of Ireland on introducing a two bag limit for wild brown trout.
Together, with all our friends, members and partners, we are striving towards our common goal of improving and preserving wild brown trout and salmon fisheries and the creation of healthier river environments for all forms of wildlife along the Clare River.
Thank you for your support for Cairde an Chláir, It is through your continued support and our collective efforts that we will continue to make a positive impact on natural habitats around Lough Corrib for generations to come.
Richard Jordan, Chairman, Cairde an Chláir