Kayley Simpson
Project Title:Understanding water quality governance and farmer behaviour in water catchments.
Biography: Kayley is looking at water quality governance and how it can play an important role in influencing farmer behaviour towards improving water quality in water catchments. This topic is an important area of research at the moment, as policy and governance can either be key a driver or deterrent in motivating farmers to improve water quality. This area of research is also now especially important due to Ireland’s retention of the Nitrates Derogation for another 3-year term. How this 3-year period is navigated will be crucial in determining what happens next for Irish agriculture. The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) is another key directive that states all European waters must achieve “Good Ecological Status” by 2027. This research will help guide the way for future governance infrastructure in Ireland, and identify the most effective types of governance and policy arrangements for improving water quality in Ireland, to ensure that this goal is achieved. One of the key objectives of this research will be to provide actionable recommendations to enable improved management of water and adoption of practice in Ireland. Kayley has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (BAgrSc) degree from University College Dublin, majoring in Agri-Environmental Science. She has expertise in extensive and native grassland flora, previously conducting a minor thesis on Multi-species swards. Kayley is from a small suckler farm in north-east, Co. Galway and enjoys farming with her Dad and sister.
Teagasc email:Kayley.Simpson@teagasc.ie
University email: kayley.simpson@ucdconnect.ie
Teagasc Research Programme: Agricultural Catchments Programme
Research Location: Teagasc Athenry
University:University College Dublin
University Supervisor: Edel Kelly
Teagasc Supervisors: Dr Bridget Lynch and Dr Michele McCormack
Funder: Teagasc