Biodiversity – the variety of life
The terms ‘nature’ and ‘biodiversity’ are interchangeable. Human beings are an intrinsic part of biodiversity and interact with it on […]
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Archive
High Nature Value farmland: co-delivery of farmland biodiversity and water quality
We introduce High Nature Value farmland and its positive contribution to multiple environmental dimensions. Environmental supports could more deliberately target […]
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Campaign to Control/Eradicate Invasive Species in Upper Achill, Co Mayo – an update on the pilot project
Invasive alien terrestrial species are a major environmental problem and are causing environmental harm in different parts of Ireland. They […]
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Community response arrests the spread of Invasive Species in Kilkenny
The spread of the Invasive species Himalayan Balsam has been the target of a community intervention along the River Nore […]
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The Catchment Services Concept – A means of connecting and progressing Water Framework Directive and biodiversity requirements in the context of ‘Sustainable Intensification’ of agriculture, and climate change
Achieving successful management of our water and biodiversity resources in the context of both the Food Harvest 2020 strategy and […]
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Ecosystem hydrology: utilizing the functional ecology of forests and wetlands – Acknowledging the benefits of multiple land use
Recently published findings in the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) ‘State of the World’s Forests’ report, suggest that fostering […]
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Sustainable Intensification – Integral Integration
Sustainability is generally regarded as meeting our needs today without compromising those of future generations. We are all becoming increasingly […]
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Assessing the impact of the Bellawaddy River on the microbiological quality of the bathing waters of Enniscrone Beach, Co. Sligo
The Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) was transposed into Irish law in 2008. Its objective is to improve the protection of […]
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Community clean up of the St Johns River, Waterford
Community spirit is alive and well in Waterford city. On Saturday 29th September a diverse collection of community groups and […]
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Catchments Newsletter – sharing science and stories. Winter 2016.
The Winter Catchments Newsletter looks at: Citizen Science – mapping river obstacles, identifying flies, how tea bags can help you […]
Read MoreWho is involved? Quite simply, everyone in Ireland has a role to play. This can be from something as simple as making sure you don’t pollute your local stream, or a local community working together to establish a Rivers Trust to enhance the rivers and lakes in their area, to a Government Department or Agency helping a Minister implement a new policy to help protect and enhance all our water bodies. This website has been developed and is maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency, and is a collaboration between the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Local Authority Waters Programme.
Local Authority Waters Programme
The Local Authority Waters Programme coordinates the efforts of local authorities and other public bodies in the implementation of the River Basin Management Plan, and supports local community and stakeholder involvement in managing our natural waters, for everyone’s benefit.
Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA is responsible for coordinating the monitoring, assessment and reporting on the status of our 4,842 water bodies, looking at trends and changes, determining which waterbodies are at risk and what could be causing this, and drafting environmental objectives for each.
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
The Department is responsible for making sure that the right policies, regulations and resources are in place to implement the Water Framework Directive, and developing a River Basin Management Plan and Programme of Measures to protect and restore our waters.