Tuesday, 4th of March 2025: A Nature-based Solutions project delivered by Tipperary County Council Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District and the local community, was recognised at the 2025 Business Post National Property Awards held at the InterContinental Hotel in Dublin last Thursday. This prestigious awards ceremony celebrates and champions both individuals and organisations from across the entire property industry through nominated categories.
The project, known as the “Bog Field Nature-based Solutions project” is located on the outskirts of the Carrick-on-Suir and is one of the first of its kind in the country. The project incorporates new thinking in the application of Nature-based Solutions and public amenity placemaking to provide a better environment for everyone including nature.
“By incorporating Nature-based Solutions such as swales and ponds, the project filters out pollutants from the adjacent road on the Waterford side of the town. The new Water Action Plan for Ireland strongly supports the use of Nature-based Solutions to protect water quality, biodiversity and provide greater resilience in the face of climate change challenges such as increased flood risk.
To do this and at the same time provide an attractive amenity supported by Tirlán is a credit to all involved. This area is adjacent to the River Suir which is a Special Area of Conservation with rare fish such as the Twaite shad and European smelt spawning locally in Carrick-on-Suir” said Dr. Fran Igoe, regional coordinator with LAWPRO.
The project delivered by Tipperary County Council and supported by LAWPRO and the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, is a community-based project working with the Carrick-on-Suir Lions Club, Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District and Tirlán.
Fintan Towey Assistant Secretary Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage stated that “DHLGH are delighted to support this project which aims to assist in the protection of water quality in Carrick-on-Suir, providing multiple benefits for all to enjoy.”
Cllr David Dunne of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District said that “The Bog Field in Carrickbeg had been unused and derelict and had also become a location for anti-social behaviour, with individuals lighting bonfires at the site. The completion of the Nature-based Solutions at the Bog Field has created an Amenity and Biodiversity area that can potentially be utilised by the community in Carrick-on-Suir now and long into the future”
Brian Beck Director of Services Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District stated that “The Bog Field project in Carrickbeg provides measures to improve water quality as well as managing water quantity during storm events. This project will benefit the local community and contribute towards the actions set out within Tipperary County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. I would like to commend the staff within the Municipal District for the delivery of this worthwhile project.”
Commenting, Lynda Connor South-Eastern regional director at IFI, said “The River Suir is an important Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for twaite shad, salmon, and lamprey species. Inland Fisheries Ireland always welcome any improvements that protect and benefit fish and their habitats”.
ENDS
Photo Caption: Left to Right: Eamonn O’Connell LAWPRO, Cllr. David Dunne Carrick on Suir Municipal District, Ben O’Keeffe Tipperary Co. Council, Tom Brennan LAWPRO, Margaret Keegan LAWPRO, Fintan Towey DHLGH, Fran Igoe LAWPRO.
For media information:
Sadhbh O’Neill
Communications & Engagement Lead
Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO)
T: 085 850 0409
About Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) https://lawaters.ie/
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.