Ardnacrusha Fish and Migratory Species Protection

Introduction

In the early 20th Century, The River Shannon had a worldwide reputation for the number and size of the salmon caught.
This all changed when construction of the Ardnacrusha Hydro Scheme blocked the passage of fish.

Since that time, there has been a catastrophic decline in migratory fish & eel stocks.

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Not only are fish and eels restricted in their upstream migration, but downstream migration of fish and eels becomes a lottery of survival, through the rapidly revolving turbines.
It's a problem that has been highlighted on many occasions, by concerned individuals, politicians and local organisations.
The apparent lack of concern of the ESB, who operate the turbines and are well-aware of the ongoing fish kills, is an unpleasant surprise to many!
So a question arises. Is there anybody in the ESB Organisation, with the required motivation, skills & authority to solve this problem?

 

Ross Eccles - Concept Solution

 

Fish and eels passing down the headrace desperately need protection.

This can be achieved cost-efficiently, pending construction of a proper Navigation in the future.

In a way that allows navigation to continue on the Headrace.

Protection could take the form of angled fish screens which direct fish into a collecting area. Thence via a tunnel through the bank of the Headrace.

Linking up with a stepped fish pass, which directs fish and eels via the Blackwater River to the sea.

 

The following graphics illustrate this Concept.