Latest news with #LocalAuthorityWatersProgramme
Agriland
20 hours ago
- General
- Agriland
LAWPRO highlights nature-based solutions to protect water quality
The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) recently held a two-day national conference on nature-based solutions at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). Over 175 delegates attended the conference titled: Nature-based Solutions Conference- To Protect and Restore Urban, Rural, Coastal, and Riverine Environments. Delegates were welcomed by DKIT president, Dr. Diarmuid O'Callaghan, before the conference was formally opened by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan. The event was of particular interest to those wanting to understand and incorporate nature-based solutions into urban, rural, and coastal environments. Nature-based solutions use natural systems such as soil, plants and landscape features to manage climate risks and environmental challenges. According to DkIT, these methods reduce flooding and drought impacts, improve water quality and support biodiversity. Minister of State O'Sullivan said: 'Nature-based solutions have a large role to play in protecting water quality by helping to create climate resilience and improving biodiversity. We need more solutions to environmental issues that work with nature rather than trying to control it. 'The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimate that one third of climate mitigation needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, can be provided by nature-based solutions.' 'This conference will bring together experts who can share their experience and ideas for how to integrate and mainstream nature-based solutions into water management practice,' the minister added. LAWPRO The LAWPRO event was the second national nature-based solutions conference, and focused on technologies and strategies suitable to use in Ireland. Day one featured a number of expert presentations and panels, focused on the use and impact of nature-based solutions in a variety of settings including urban, rural, riverine, coastal and the private sector. The second day focused on nature-based solutions in action and offered a series of practical masterclass workshops to attendees covering urban solutions, river restoration and coastal restoration. The regional coordinator with LAWPRO, Dr. Fran Igoe said: 'Although the application of nature-based solutions is something new to many people in Ireland, our ancestors have been using these techniques for centuries. 'This conference allowed participants to explore how we can expand and mainstream such approaches to meet today's environmental challenges,' Igoe added.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
North Kerry public will have chance to ask questions on local water quality at upcoming meeting
The meeting is being held to make more people aware of work to improve water quality in the area and to encourage engagement on the subject from the community, agencies and groups. The event has been organised by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), which works on behalf of Ireland's local authorities to protect and restore good water quality in rivers, lakes and estuaries, ground and coastal water. LAWPRO experts will take attendees through the work that has been carried out through its River Basin Management Plan and what is being planned for the future in Listowel Municipal District. Those in attendance will have opportunities to ask questions and talk to members of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme and the LAWPRO Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership project team. Ahead of the public meeting, Anthony Coleman, director of services with LAWPRO, said that his organisation would like to take the opportunity to welcome members of the public to come and find out more about what is happening in their local waterbodies and river catchments. 'We hope to engage as many people as possible at this meeting in Kerry because public participation and support is key to achieving water quality improvements,' Mr Coleman said. 'We would also like to thank all those whether in a voluntary or paid capacity, working in their local areas to help make a difference to their natural waters and the biodiversity that live in and around them.' The information meeting will take place from 7pm to 9.30pm at Kerry Writer's Museum on June 10.
Irish Examiner
28-04-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
National push to protect rivers and secure nitrates derogation
A Teagasc team has been set the challenge to coordinate the efforts of all relevant stakeholders in six river catchments, to put in place a comprehensive plan to improve water quality. The stakeholders include farmers, Teagasc, private agricultural consultants, industry representatives, the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), local authorities, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), and community groups. The team of six Teagasc catchment co-ordinators, and their catchments, are Fiona Doolan in the Boyne catchment; Philip Murphy, Blackwater; Claire Mooney, Suir; Neilus Nunan, Slaney; Oisín Coakley, Lee and Bandon; and Ciaran Sheelan, Nore and Barrow. Noel Meehan, Head of the Teagasc Water Quality Knowledge Transfer Department, said: 'I look forward to working with the six catchment co-ordinators in what is a very important role under the Teagasc Better Farming for Water Campaign. "All stakeholders will be required to play their part in a collective effort of planning and actions. Key to realising improvements is the careful targeting of the right measure in the right place, alongside high levels of implementation at farm level". "We have a great opportunity to use the Better Farming for Water campaign to support farmers in the implementation of water protection measures and to have a period of sustained water quality improvement.' The Teagasc Better Farming for Water campaign focuses on eight actions for change. They are: Reducing the purchased nitrogen and phosphorus surplus per hectare. Ensuring soil fertility is optimal for lime, phosphorus and potassium. Ensuring application of fertiliser and organic manure at appropriate times and conditions. Having sufficient slurry and soiled water storage capacity. Managing and minimising nutrient loss from farmyards and roadways. Fencing off watercourses to prevent bovine access. Promoting targeted use of mitigation actions such as riparian margins, buffer strips and sediment traps to mitigate nutrient and sediment loss to water. Maintaining over-winter green cover, to reduce nutrient leaching from tillage soils. In Munster, there is added emphasis on water quality in the Blackwater catchment, following the launch of the River Blackwater Catchment Programme, led by Dairygold Co-Op. This three-year programme will see the dairy processor partner with Teagasc, LAWPRO, Dairy Industry Ireland, Meat Industry Ireland, Irish Grain Growers, ABP, Dawn Meats, Kepak Group, Kerry Co-op, North Cork Creameries, Tirlán, and others, on a series of combined projects, actions and activities to engage farmers and processors and implement best farm practices to improve water quality. There is also a strong agriculture sector involvement in protecting and enhancing water quality across the River Slaney catchment. Launched about one year ago, the River Slaney Project includes Tirlán, Teagasc, LAWPRO, and accounting and advisory specialists, ifac, providing practical advice and support for water quality. More than 250 Tirlán suppliers have submitted over €1.5m in applications to the €60m Government and European Commission Farming for Water EIP fund for water enhancement. Local authorities across the Slaney catchment, along with Irish Water, and the Kepak, Dawn, and ABP food companies are supporting the project. Tirlán CEO Seán Molloy said: 'We are focused on ensuring that Tirlán and its farmers, alongside agri-food organisations across the country, deliver the best possible case for Ireland's retention of the Nitrates Derogation. 'The months ahead are a crucial period for Ireland to maintain momentum. Our ask is that all farm families continue their good work and engage with us and our partners, with our dedicated teams and ASSAP advisors. "Funding is readily available under the Farming for Water EIP for focused, results-driven actions to protect water, and our teams are available to support suppliers to avail of these.' Read More Slaney water project marks a year of progress
Agriland
27-04-2025
- General
- Agriland
Ennistymon Rivers Festival marks progress post major fish kill
Two years after a major fish kill on the Ballymacraven river, the Ennistymon Rivers Festival – which will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend – is celebrating community resilience. The family-friendly three-day festival, running from May 4-6, brings together locals, volunteers, visitors, and environmental champions to celebrate the positive steps being taken to protect, restore, and enhance the rivers that make the Ennistymon area of north Clare so appealing. The devastating fish kill on the Ballymacraven River in May 2023 saw well over 2,000 fish killed, including Atlantic salmon, brown trout, and eels of all age-classes, on a 2.6km stretch of the river, While the fish kill served as a reminder of the fragility of our natural environment, it also sparked a collective response by the local community to protect and restore the river for future generations. Ballymacraven River. Image source: Ruairí Ó Conchúir Two years on, the Ennistymon Rivers Festival offers an opportunity to celebrate the enormous amount of positive work that has been undertaken by local volunteers on the Inagh and Ballymacraven rivers, reflecting the importance the local community places on nature. Kevin Nunan, chair of the Restore Ballymacraven River Association, said that the Ennistymon Rivers Festival is a celebration of the progress made in bringing the community together to map out the work still to be done over the next number of years. Nunan said: 'We're very proud of the commitment of the local community to restore the Inagh and Ballymacraven rivers, and the work completed to date to protect local biodiversity and natural habitats within and along these local rivers. We are working to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.' The focus of the Ennistymon Rivers Festival is on engaging the entire family, with highlights including expert talks and workshops on many aspects of river restoration from salmon conservation to the vital role trees play in river bank conservation and learning about river ecosystems. Also included in the weekend is a guided bat walk, guided kayaking tours, and a major river restoration workshop for community groups and angling clubs. Those who attend will have the chance to learn how they can get involved in local conservation efforts and make a difference. Inagh River, Ennistymon. Image source: Ruairí Ó Conchúir Ruairí Ó Conchúir, senior community water officer with the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), and local to the area, said that the Ennistymon Rivers Festival provided an excellent example of a local community group stepping up to the mark and providing local leadership in river restoration and water quality awareness work. 'The work of LAWPRO is fully supportive of community groups playing such an active role in the local communities,' he said. The Restore Ballymacraven River Association invites everyone to join in celebrating the Ennistymon Rivers Festival. All events are free, but booking is required as numbers are limited for several events, including river kayaking. The festival kicks off Friday afternoon, May 2 with a river restoration workshop for community groups and angling clubs. The official launch will take place that evening, followed by the keynote event: an illustrated talk on the current status of salmon in Ireland and future prospects by renowned international expert, Dr. Philip McGinnity, followed by a panel discussion. The Rivers Festival promises to showcase the vital role a resilient local community can play in restoring, protecting, and enhancing its natural environment. The event will ensure that the Inagh and Ballymacraven rivers, that flow through north Clare and Ennistymon, remain a symbol of hope, community tenacity and the resilience of nature.
Agriland
23-04-2025
- General
- Agriland
Catchment coordinators appointed to farming for water project
As part of the 'Better Farming for Water' campaign, Teagasc has appointed six catchment coordinators to lead a multi-actor approach to improve water quality in eight of Ireland's most important rivers. The catchment coordinators will work in each of the selected catchments to put in place a comprehensive plan to improve water quality. Stakeholders include farmers, Teagasc, private agricultural consultants, industry representatives, the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), and community groups. Local authorities are also involved, along with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) The six Teagasc appointments and catchments include the following: Fiona Doolan – Boyne; Philip Murphy – Blackwater; Claire Mooney – Suir; Neilus Nunan – Slaney; Oisín Coakley – Lee and Bandon; Ciaran Sheelan – Nore and Barrow. The Better Farming for Water campaign includes eight actions, which involve better nutrient, farmyard and land management, and provides a 'structured' and 'relatable' approach for farmers to effectively engage with improving water quality. The eight actions of the campaign aim to: Reduce purchased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) surplus per hectare; Ensure soil fertility is optimal for lime, P and potassium (K); Ensure application of fertiliser and organic manure at appropriate times and conditions; Have sufficient slurry and soiled water storage capacity; Manage and minimise nutrient loss from farmyards and roadways; Fence off watercourses to prevent bovine access; Promote targeted use of mitigation actions such as riparian margins, buffer strips and sediment traps to mitigate nutrient and sediment loss to water; Maintain over-winter green cover to reduce nutrient leaching from tillage soils. Head of the Teagasc water quality knowledge transfer department, Noel Meehan said: To succeed in improving water quality in the eight selected catchments, all stakeholders will be required to play their part in a collective effort of planning and actions. 'Key to realising improvements is the careful targeting of the right measure in the right place alongside high levels of implementation at farm level. 'We have a great opportunity to use the Better Farming for Water campaign to support farmers in the implementation of water protection measures and to have a period of sustained water quality improvement.' There is variation in the objectives set out for each catchment, but the overall goal is to improve nutrient status.
