Anglers don't want canal restored

PLANS to restore Ireland's Lagan Canal to navigation could be stopped by wildlife people and anglers as they say it would threaten key wildlife species that now thrive in the waterway.

The anglers of course are worried about their fishing, as after the waterway was closed in the 1950's it was stocked with wild salmon and trout, and is a haven for anglers, who are mounting a campaign to stop restoration, Alan Tilbury tells us.

The aim is to reopen the waterway which would see the connection of the Lagan and canal system right from Belfast and the Lagan Weir through to Lough Neagh and the old Ulster Canal, which would link Belfast with Enniskillen and Limerick.

However, work has already begun on Lock 3 on the Lagan Canal  at Belfast (pictured) with work on the weir to start soon.

But Iveagh Angling Club insists a full Environment Impact Assessment is needed to assess the effect that the project will have on salmon, sea trout and brown trout populations.

Dredging

A spokesman for the club pointed out that 19 kilometres have so far been identified for development under the scheme. Works will include extensive dredging and river straightening which threatens existing spawning beds and habitat.

He believes that 'the project aims to maximise the recreational and tourist opportunities of the waterway whilst plainly ignoring the recreational, tourist and economic benefits a viable salmonid fishery has to offer'.