The River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018 – 2021 (RBMP) sets out a new approach for the protection and management of water quality in our rivers, lakes, estuaries, groundwater, and coastal waters. This RBMP is underpinned by a strong evidence base from the work of the EPA, Inland Fisheries Ireland and local authorities in assessing the status of water quality in individual waterbodies. The process of developing this RBMP involved extensive input from public bodies working with water and opportunities for public and stakeholder involvement.
The RBMP lists 190 water bodies for focused actions up to 2021, these are known as ‘priority areas for action’. Water quality improvements will deliver multiple benefits for: human health, wildlife, and local economies through tourism and sustainable industry. This approach will require ongoing coordination and collaboration between local authorities, state agencies and stakeholders, together with continued public engagement and participation.
The next steps will involve on the ground actions and stream walks by catchment scientists to gain a better understanding of the issues impacting on water quality in the priority areas for action and to develop solutions that are relevant and workable locally.
The Local Authority Waters Programme will host public meetings in these priority areas for action before any field work commences to inform the public and stakeholders of planned activities on local water bodies identified for further assessment. These meetings will commence in October 2018 and continue over the lifespan of the RBMP. Meeting details will be advertised in local press, radio and on social media. The table below contains information and details relating to the meetings.
| PAA | Venue | Date | Time | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clashawley | St Mary's Community Hall Killenaule, Co. Tipperary | Meeting postponed as a mark of respect for Cllr John Fahey, RIP. | Tipperary | |
| Leannan | Mulroy Woods Hotel, Milford, Co. Donegal F92 TD47 | 03/12/2018 | 07:00 - 08:00 | Donegal |
| Unshin | The Teeling Centre, Collooney, Co Sligo F91 P68C | 04/12/2018 | 07:30 - 08:30 | Sligo |
| Clooneigh | Kilteevan Community Centre, Co. Roscommon | 05/12/2018 | 7.30pm – 8.30pm | Roscommon |
| Caha River (from Poulnaberry Br. to Caha Br. and Coolkellure Lake) | Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway | 06/12/2018 | 7:30pm – 9:00pm | Cork |