Hello everyone,
My name is Ross Finlay, and I’m pleased to introduce myself as the new part-time Project Officer with the Slaney River Trust.
I’m a freshwater ecologist and fisheries scientist with a long-standing interest in river systems, fish populations, habitat restoration, and community-based conservation. Over the years, I’ve worked on a range of freshwater and coastal ecosystem projects throughout Ireland, collaborating with local communities, state agencies, and environmental organisations to improve river health and ecological resilience.
My academic background includes a Ph.D. in Freshwater Ecology from University College Cork, where my research focused on Atlantic salmon and brown trout populations and the environmental factors that influence their survival and movement. Alongside research, much of my work has involved practical conservation management, catchment assessments, habitat restoration, and stakeholder engagement.
I’m excited to be joining the Slaney River Trust at an important stage in its development. One of my main objectives in this role will be to work alongside the Board and members to help strengthen the Trust’s capacity to deliver on its broader environmental goals for the River Slaney catchment.
My intention is to help the Slaney River Trust to actively pursue the restoration and enhancement of the wider Slaney ecosystem while maintaining the Trust’s longstanding commitment to barrier mitigation and improving connectivity within the river.
Over the coming months, I’ll be developing a community outreach strategy to help raise awareness of water quality and water quantity issues across the catchment. I’m particularly interested in building strong connections with local communities, landowners, anglers, environmental groups, and other stakeholders who care about the future of the Slaney.
Another important aspect of the role will involve seeking out new collaborations, partnerships, and funding opportunities that can help support the Trust’s long-term work and generate greater resources for future projects. I’ll also be assisting in updating the Trust’s website so that it better reflects the full range of ecological, conservation, and heritage objectives that the organisation is working to achieve.
I believe rivers are not only ecological systems, but also cultural and community assets that connect people to landscape, heritage, and place. The Slaney is an incredibly important river system, and I’m looking forward to working with everyone involved in protecting and enhancing it for future generations.
Dr Ross Finlay
Project Officer
Slaney River Trust
