Future of Wicklow rivers in jeopardy as TD warns of weakened protections
Jennifer Whitmore says proposed changes to water quality standards could lead to pollution and long-term ecological damage in Vartry and Dargle rivers.
Wicklow People
A Wicklow TD with a background in ecology, marine science and environmental law fears that a recent government decision will weaken environmental protections which could have 'disastrous' consequences for Wicklow waterways such as the Vartry ad Dargle rivers.
The draft River Basin Management Plan aims to set out the measures that are necessary to protect and restore water quality in Ireland. Under the draft River Basin Management Plan, protections for 456 water bodies nationwide are at risk of being diluted by being classified as 'highly modified'. If this goes ahead, it will mean that these water ways will no longer be subject to water quality standards. In Wicklow, rivers like the Vartry and Dargle, both currently rated as having 'good' ecological status, could face increased pollution and degradation if these changes are introduced.
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Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Future of Wicklow rivers in jeopardy as TD warns of weakened protections
Jennifer Whitmore says proposed changes to water quality standards could lead to pollution and long-term ecological damage in Vartry and Dargle rivers. Wicklow People A Wicklow TD with a background in ecology, marine science and environmental law fears that a recent government decision will weaken environmental protections which could have 'disastrous' consequences for Wicklow waterways such as the Vartry ad Dargle rivers. The draft River Basin Management Plan aims to set out the measures that are necessary to protect and restore water quality in Ireland. Under the draft River Basin Management Plan, protections for 456 water bodies nationwide are at risk of being diluted by being classified as 'highly modified'. If this goes ahead, it will mean that these water ways will no longer be subject to water quality standards. In Wicklow, rivers like the Vartry and Dargle, both currently rated as having 'good' ecological status, could face increased pollution and degradation if these changes are introduced.
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Wicklow's St Catherine's Special School hosts garden party to mark 50th anniversary
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