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Targeting measures for water quality outcomes – analysis of the gap to achieving Water Framework Directive Environmental Objectives

The EPA has published an analysis of the likely water quality outcomes that may be achieved as a result of the measures outlined in the 3rd Cycle Water Action Plan 2024: a river basin management plan for Ireland. The forecast analysis is a snapshot in time largely based on the best available information on the measures being implemented as of September 2023, as included in the draft RBMP. The final Water Action Plan, which was published in September 2024, has been informed by, and includes information from, the EPA’s gap analysis of the draft Plan.

This analysis forecasts the number of waterbodies that are likely to achieve their 2027 status objectives, and those that are likely to show improvements, so that an assessment can be made of the gap to achieving Water Framework Directive (WFD) environmental objectives.

Current Status: Out of 4,842 water bodies assessed, only 54% are currently meeting their quality objectives. This leaves a significant number (over 2,200) requiring improvement.

Progress Forecast: The plan aims to improve water quality by 2027. However, the EPA forecasts that only between 150 and 300 “At Risk” waterbodies are likely to meet their targets due to planned measures. In previous years, improvements made in some areas were offset by declines in water quality elsewhere, so there may be no net improvement once again.
Challenges Ahead: The report identifies three key gaps hindering progress: the measures gap, the effectiveness gap, and the evidence gap. These gaps highlight the need for more targeted actions, a better understanding of measure effectiveness, and further investigation into waterbodies where data is lacking.

Measures Gap: 864 “At Risk” waterbodies lack specific plans to address pressures like pollution from urban areas, changes to the physical structure of waterways, and invasive species. Without such plans, improvement is unlikely.

Effectiveness Gap: Even where measures are planned, uncertainty remains about their effectiveness. This is particularly true for voluntary measures, where success relies on individual actions and cooperation.

Evidence Gap: For 583 waterbodies, more data is needed to determine the specific water quality issues and pressures before effective measures can be designed.

The EPA’s analysis emphasises the importance of continuous monitoring, data collection, and collaboration to refine the plan and ensure its success.

Learn more:

Targeting measures for water quality outcomes – analysis of the gap to achieving Water Framework Directive Environmental Objectives can be downloaded from the EPA website now.

About author

EPA Catchments Unit

Administrator

The EPA Catchments Unit is based in Dublin, and the team is involved with catchment science, chemistry, ecology, hydromorphology, modelling, Geographic Information Systems and planning. We work with the wider EPA, all of our local authorities, the Local Authority Waters and Communities Office, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and other public bodies and Departments to ensure we have the best available data and information about our catchments.

Who 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.