15-07-2025
Water quality of Wexford's rivers discussed at special meeting – ‘We can do a lot better'
Representatives from the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) provided an update on the work they are carrying out under the Water Action Plan which is part of the EU Water Framework Directive. There was also information on new farming initiatives, including the €60 million Farming for WaterEIP, Tiran's Slaney Farming for Water and the Teagasc Better Farming for Water initiative.
Chaired by Frank Burke, Climate Action Coordinator with WCC, the meeting featured a presentation from Eoin Kinsella, executive scientist with WCC, who outlined the work being carried out by his team, from agricultural inspections to managing litter on the blue flag beaches.
Discussing the Bann catchment area, Dr Fran Igoe of LAWPRO said: 'The glass is only half full when it comes to water quality in Wexford and we can do a lot better. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that the River Bann is a significant contributor of nitrates to the Slaney, and that combined with the other tributaries amounts to high nitrate loading to the Slaney.
"This needs to be addressed as EPA monitoring shows there is an excessive nitrate impact on the estuary and Wexford Harbour. Clean water is important for Wexford's tourism, shellfish production and maintaining the health of the River Slaney generally. Most of the River Bann is also important for salmon and trout spawning and the water quality needs improvement.'
Tirlán chairperson John Murphy spoke about its commitment as a dairy processor to improving water quality in the area with their Slaney Farming for Water Project, which aims to encourage farmers to install measures funded through the Farming for WaterEIP and Tiran's own suitability programme.
Cathy Lee of the Friends of the Ahare River Biodiversity and Development Group, provided examples of the activities the group have carried out in the area, including biodiversity signage along the river, school visits to the river and family fun days at the Cloon beach.
Ross Finlay project officer with the Slaney Rivers Trust spoke about its objective to improve salmon stocks in the Slaney and plans for further community engagement. The Slaney Rivers Trust is working with Inland Fisheries Ireland on the new barrier removal programme.
