Local Authority Waters Programme

Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) works on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality in our rivers, lakes, estuaries, ground and coastal water through catchment science and local community engagement. LAWPRO was established to fulfil requirements under the European Union Water Framework Directive and is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. LAWPRO coordinates the efforts of local authorities and other public bodies in the implementation of the River Basin Management Plan

About LAWPRO

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is a national shared service working on behalf of all 31 local authorities in Ireland. We coordinate efforts to achieve good or high water quality in our rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters, and groundwater, as required by the European Union Water Framework Directive. Healthy rivers and catchments support a healthy environment, a robust economy, our health, and wellbeing.

Kilkenny and Tipperary County Council jointly manage LAWPRO across 13 separate local authority centres within a five-region structure: 

  • Border 
  • Midlands and East 
  • South East 
  • South West 
  • West 

A new approach for managing Ireland’s natural water assets sees local authorities, state agencies and public bodies collaborating and working with private sector stakeholders and local communities. If we are to deliver water quality improvements and protect high status rivers, “the best of the best”, then the effort must involve all sectors of society. There is a role for everyone, and LAWPRO is here to support. This ambition drives LAWPRO’s Catchments and Communities teams, guiding our collective and individual efforts.

This website will give you an account of achievements to date and how you can get involved in your local community.

Latest Blogs

Click on the individual blogs below or click on View All Blogs to see a complete list

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Latest Publications

Here you can download Annual Reports and other publications from LAWPRO and its partners.
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Local Authority Waters Programme Annual Report 2023

2023 was a year of growth for the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) as our core staff numbers increased and we had the addition of our new Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Project Team. While we reflect on changes over the years and prepare for the third cycle River Basin Management Plan (RBMP), we continue to strive to have water quality, community engagement and collaboration at the heart of everything we do.

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