Thousands are backing a petition for Annacotty Weir to be removed 

Annacotty Weir – Dr William O’Connor started a petition to remove the Annacotty Weir on the River Mulkear, so lampreys can freely travel the river. Picture. Brian Arthur.

Thousands are backing a petition for Annacotty Weir to be removed 

By I Love Limerick Correspondent Jade Crowe  

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 A petition demanding the Limerick Weir to be removed, which environmentalist scientist Dr William O’Connor started, has drawn attention from Limerick locals and many others.  

The petition already has over an astonishing 5000 signatures. 

Good to see @InlandFisherIE has identified Annacotty weir on the lower Mulkear river as a significant barrier to the free movement of several fish species and are starting to look at improving fish passage

Read more: https://t.co/XXRj7BNICY

— Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) April 1, 2021

The weir, located in Annacotty Co. Limerick, puts much of the River Shannon’s natural inhabitants in great danger. The weir is creating a blockage in the natural journey of various species.   

According to Dr O’Connor, the Annacotty weir is not a major one; however, it is causing a multitude of problems for fish and other species who are attempting to make their journeys across the river.    

The main species that are being affected by this problem are lampreys and sea lampreys. The upstream navigation of salmon is also greatly affected by the weir, with the weir also greatly endangering the European eel.  

Annacotty Weir – Dr O’Connor said the weir was causing a major ‘fish passage’ problem for river lampreys and sea lampreys.

Dr William O’Connor said, “The problems at this site have been highlighted for many years, yet nothing effective has been done. Measures taken by the Mulkear LIFE project at this site did not work. There is widespread support for effective action to be taken to finally address the fish passage issues at Annacotty weir.”  

Dr O’Connor commented, “If we can’t address the fish passage issues at this relatively little weir, then how will we be ever able to address the major issues on the main River Shannon caused by the ESB dams. Having lampreys confined to the lower reaches of this major catchment makes them vulnerable to impacts such as declining water quality. Lampreys are also blocked on the main River Shannon by the ESB dams, so they are very confined in this catchment. Salmon are also affected by this weir and are at unfavourable status in this catchment. We have to all we can to help the critically endangered eel.”  

Although the petition has only been active for a week, it has already received significant public support. The petition is still gaining a considerate amount of attention daily as it attempts to reach its goal of 6000 signatures.  

Dr O’Connor also added, “Annacotty weir needs to be removed – or lowered with a rock ramp fish pass installed. This would restore fish migration in this large tributary of the Lower River Shannon. This action is required under both the EU Habitats and Water Framework Directives.” 

To sign the petition go HERE 

For more stories on the environment, go HERE