The Local Authority Waters Programme to hold two community information meetings- one in Furbo and one in Letterfrack
Monday, 14th of April 2025: The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), working on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality is holding two community information meetings on water quality and water related issues in Furbo (Na Forbacha) and Letterfrack.
Under the Water Action Plan 2024 – A River Basin Management Plan for Ireland, LAWPRO carries out work in areas identified as having poor water quality called Priority Areas for Action (PAAs) to support targeted water quality improvements by state bodies and local authorities. The two community information meetings are being held to increase awareness about water quality work 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 meetings are as follows:
- Connemara South 24th of April 7.30pm. Location, Connemara Coast Hotel, Na Forbacha, Co. Galway, H91 KX27. Register for free here.
- Connemara North 29th of April 7.30pm. Location, Ellis Hall, Connemara West plc, Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack, Co. Galway, H91 AH5K. Register for free here.
Since 2018 LAWPRO has been working in Connemara North as part of delivery under the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018 to 2021 (2nd cycle) and on the night LAWPRO catchment scientists will take you through the work that has been carried out and what is being planned under the 3rd cycle Water Action Plan 2024, including expanding into Connemara South. There will also be opportunities for the public to ask questions and talk to members of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) programme and the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project.
Ahead of the community information meeting, Dr Bernie White, Regional Coordinator with LAWPRO said: “As we are coming to the end of 2nd cycle work in Connemara and expanding our plans for further work in the area under the 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.
We hope to engage as many people as possible at the two meetings as public participation is key to helping make water quality improvements. We would also like to thank all those whether in a voluntary or paid capacity who work in their local areas and help to make a difference to their natural waters and the biodiversity that lives in and around them.”
All are welcome to come to either meeting and there will be refreshments available.
To find out more about the work of the Local Authority Waters Programme please visit: www.lawaters.ie
ENDS
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