Public Meeting Announced on Water Quality in Tuam and Athenry
The Local Authority Waters Programme to hold community information meeting in Galway
Wednesday, 2nd of July 2025: The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), working on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality in rivers, lakes, estuaries, ground and coastal water, is holding a community information meeting about water quality and water related issues in both Tuam and Athenry Municipal Districts.
Under the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland LAWPRO carries out work in areas identified as having poor water quality called Priority Areas for Action (PAA) to support targeted water quality improvements with other stakeholders.
The community information meeting on Thursday 17th of July is being held to make more people aware of work to improve water quality in the area and to encourage as much engagement as possible with all stakeholders right across the community, including key agencies, special interest groups, voluntary, public and private sectors.
Details of the meeting are as follows:
- Tuam and Athenry Municipal Districts. 17th July 7.30 – 9.00pm. Station House, Coolfowerbeg, Ballyglunin, Galway, H54 D863.
Register for the event here.
Over the past number of years LAWPRO has been working in the area as part of the 2nd cycle River Basin Management Plan for Ireland. At the meeting LAWPRO experts will take you through the work that has been carried out in the 2nd cycle and what is being planned for the 3rd cycle Water Action Plan. There will also be opportunities for the public to ask questions and talk to members of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) and the LAWPRO Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project team.
Ahead of the public meeting, Anthony Coleman, Director of Services with LAWPRO said: “As we are coming to the end of 2nd cycle work in both Tuam and Athenry Municipal Districts and begin implementation of the new Water Action Plan we would like to take this opportunity to welcome members of the public to come along and find out more about what’s happening in their local waterbodies and river catchments.
We hope to engage as many people as possible at this meeting in Galway because public participation and support is key to achieving water quality improvements. We would also like to thank all those whether in a voluntary or paid capacity, working in their local areas to help make a difference to their natural waters and the biodiversity that live in and around them.”
The public meeting will begin at 7.30pm in Station House, Coolfowerbeg, Ballyglunin, Co. Galway.
To find out more about the work of the Local Authority Waters Programme please visit: www.lawaters.ie
ENDS
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.
ASSAP – Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme is working with farmers in a free and confidential advisory service to help improve water quality. The ASSAP is a government / industry collaborative initiative made up of Teagasc and Dairy processor farm advisors with a focus on water quality. Where an agricultural pressure is identified by LAWPRO catchment scientists, the farmers in the area will receive the offer of a free farm visit from an ASSAP advisor. The purpose of the visit is to meet with the farmer and assess the farm for any potential issues that may be having an effect on the water quality in the local catchment. Click here for ASSAP Flyer
ASSAP in detail – Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority
Farming for Water EIP – In partnership with Teagasc and Dairy Industry Ireland, the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) secured funding for a groundbreaking Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Project for Ireland in 2023. EIP-Agri projects are locally led and collaborative, addressing issues related to natural resources, such as water, through innovative approaches. The farming for Water EIP project is available in priority catchments across the country where water quality is not meeting its targets. Applications are made through the ASSAP advisory service and through Dairy Industry Ireland (DII) led farm advisors who engage with farmers in the relevant catchments and offer the opportunity to avail of funding. See link below to find as ASSAP advisor:
https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/water-quality/farming-for-water-quality-assap/assap-in-detail/
Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership – Farming for Water EIP