Taoiseach to open new Salmon Weir in Ballina

Taoiseach to open new Salmon Weir in Ballina


Anna Marie Flynn

AN Taoiseach Enda Kenny is to officially open the new €1 million Ballina Salmon weir on September 2 next.
The government leader will travel to Ballina on Friday week to officiate at the reopening of the upgraded weir at a special ceremony taking place on the River Moy at 2.15pm.
Work on the world famous fisheries weir, situated at the Ridge Pool, was completed in the last week after an unprecedented investment by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
Contractors, Ward and Burke Construction Ltd carried out the works which saw the old weir stripped back to its original stone piers which were then fully refurbished, reinforced and raised.
Other works carried out included the addition of new state of the art hydraulic gates and cranes which will facilitate extensive and detailed fish tagging, fish counting and debris removal. The refurbished weir will ensure the safe and efficient monitoring and control of salmon, and other fish life, while a new masonry built control room has also been developed. A weir for the trapping of salmon has existed at the Ridge Pool since the 14th Century, while the current weir was first constructed in the early 19th Century.
The reopening ceremony will not be the only official function for the Taoiseach while in the north Mayo capital. Following the reopening ceremony, Deputy Kenny will also be afforded a Civic Reception by Ballina Town Council at the Council Chamber at Arran Place.