Visit to River Vartry and East Wicklow Rivers Trust

Water Resources Management Training in Co. Louth
30th November 2019
Yet another great day with participants from the Water Resources Management Training course. Hosted by Luke Drea and the East Wicklow Rivers Trust (https://wicklowrivers.ie) we learned about efforts to ensure maximum flow rates in the River Vartry – a gem of a little sea trout river along our east coast. We also heard in some detail about the formation of the Trust less than twelve months ago and the fantastic progress that has been made by their enthusiastic supporters in such a short space of time!

Following a visit to the Vartry Reservoir where a new drinking water treatment plant is under construction, the group walked into the Devil’s Glen in hope of seeing some sea trout in the act of spawning. Unfortunately, while conditions were perfect, we did not see any sea trout. The Devil’s Glen Waterfall was, however, in spectacular form with an unusually high flow rate following recent rain.

Luke Drey described the setting up of the East Wicklow’s Rivers Trust to the group before heading out into the field.
At the Vartry Reservoir Dam overlooking the water treatment plant that provides drinking water for large parts of South Dublin and Wicklow. A new plant is under construction.
At the Vartry Reservoir Dam overlooking the water treatment plant that provides drinking water for large parts of South Dublin and Wicklow. A new plant is under construction.
A view of the water treatment plant sand filters – to be replaced by a new plant in 2021.
Following recent rainfall the reservoir overflows into the Vartry River, bypassing the treatment plant. In dry weather a compensation flow of 5 million litres per day is proposed.


Ken showed us likely sea trout spawning spots.
Enjoying the Vartry River in the Devil’s Glen
The Devil’s Glen Waterfall was in full flow.


Can’t wait for next Saturday (7th December), when we hold a small streams assessment demonstration on the River Glyde at Castlebellingham – all are welcome (10.00 to 13.00)!