Local Authority Waters Programme

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is working to identify the issues affecting water quality in every county in Ireland. Where issues are identified, we collaborate with the relevant local authority, public body, and water stakeholder to find a solution. Community engagement is the cornerstone of this approach to combine local and expert knowledge for a better understanding of what’s happening in a local catchment and waterbody. Good water quality benefits everybody, it is essential for nature to flourish and our economy to thrive.

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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Subscribe to our contact list

If you would like to be informed about how we are working to help protect and manage your local stream, river, lake, coast or groundwater just contact this office for further information.

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 2021

2021 was a year which saw many sectors of the economy continue to be severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite significant disruption during this time, the essential work of LAWPRO continued, including
local catchment assessments, funding to communities, support for projects and events during National Heritage Week, and virtual meetings with public bodies, stakeholders, and local communities. I would like to thank all our staff, and the countless others, who have helped us fulfil our obligations during a challenging year.

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Local Authority Waters Programme Annual Report 2020

This report presents the goals, objectives, and achievements of the LAWPRO team of 60 staff across a five-regional structure: Border, Midlands and Eastern, South East, South West and West. This is the fourth annual report on the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) and presents highlights from LAWPROs work with communities and within catchments in 2020. The work showcases the continued efforts of the programme working in collaboration with local authorities, state agencies, local communities and others.

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