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.

Community Water Development Fund 2026 is now open

Get funding for your water quality improvement projects!

The Blue Dots of Iveragh

Learn more about our initiative to raise awareness of the high status waterbodies in Iveragh, Co. Kerry

Upcoming Events

Stay up to date with our planned events.

January 28

Community Meeting: Friends of the Blackwater River

About LAWPRO

Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, LAWPRO coordinates 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. LAWPRO is dedicated to enhancing water management and environmental protection across the country. Our primary role is to support the achievement of the Water Framework Directive objectives through the development and execution of River Basin Management Plans and Programmes of Measures.

Kilkenny and Tipperary County Council jointly manage LAWPRO across a five-region structure:

Border
Midlands and East
South East
South West
West

Local authorities are tasked with regional co-ordination, public participation, and supporting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minister in the development and implementation of these plans. LAWPRO serves as an established national Water Framework Directive office, to deliver on these actions working on behalf of all local authorities.

LAWPRO’s other teams and programmes include the Catchment Science team, the Communities team, the Blue Dot Catchments Programme, the Farming for Water EIP, Nature-based Solutions, and the Local Authority Services Support and Co-ordination team.

Latest News

Click on the individual news below to read more.

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Public invited to community meeting on water quality in the Blackwater River

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is inviting members of the public, and in particular community groups, anglers and individuals, with an interest in water quality, to a community information

LAWPRO Hosts Major Public Meeting in Tipperary to Address Declining Water Quality

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) brought together more than 50 local residents, farmers, anglers, community groups and elected representatives at a public meeting in Templemore to discuss the condition

New community water quality forum launched in the Galway Bay South East Catchment

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) launched the new Galway Bay South East Catchment Community Forum with an inaugural meeting on Monday 20th November 2025 at Comworks, Loughrea, Co Galway.

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If you would like to stay informed about how we are working to protect and restore Ireland’s natural waters, subscribe to our newsletter Ripple Effect.

Latest Publications

Download Annual Reports and other publications from LAWPRO and its partners.

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Blue Dots of Iveragh Booklet

Bringing Blue Dots to wider public awareness is a key part of the work of the Blue Dot Catchments Programme. With knowledge comes appreciation and stewardship. Allow us to introduce you to the Blue Dots of the Iveragh Peninsula in all their glory.

Download

LAWPRO Annual Report 2024

2024 was another year of growth and development for the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO). This year we had the launch of the new Water Action Plan 2024 – A River Basin Management Plan for Ireland that focuses our work for the next cycle.

Download