Slaney Catchment Action Plan to Improve Water Quality Launched
The Slaney Catchment Action Plan, as part of the Teagasc ‘Better Farming for Water’ Campaign, was officially launched by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, TD, at the Riverbank House Hotel in Wexford today, Friday, 6th March.
Pictured at the Slaney Catchment Action Plan at Wexford are Pat Murphy, Chair of Slaney Catchment Implementation Group, Dr Lisa Koep, Tirlán ESG officer, John Murphy, Chair of Tirlán, Minister James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, Neilus Nunan, Slaney Catchment Co-ordinator, and Liam Herlihy, Chair of the Teagasc Authority. Photograph: Patrick Browne
Establishing specific catchment campaigns is a key initiative of the Better Farming for Water Campaign, which has the overall aim of supporting and accelerating the adoption of actions on all farms to improve all water bodies, where agriculture is a significant pressure.
The Slaney is one of eight priority catchments, along with the Boyne, Barrow, Nore, Suir, Blackwater, Lee, and Bandon-Ilen rivers, highlighted by the EPA as a ‘catchment of concern’ where tailored workplans will set clear targets and timelines for implementing water improvement measures.
The campaigns that will run in each of these catchments are very important in the efforts to improve local and national water quality.
Speaking at the launch, Wexford-based Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said:
“There is a strong collective effort across government, the agri-food industry, and by our farmers to improve water quality but we do need to do more.
“This effort is clear in the support government is providing to water quality through the catchment science and assessment work carried out by LAWPRO, initiatives like ASSAP, the Farming for Water EIP and through the investment from co-ops, meat processors and advisory services in the provision of advisors to support farmers to implement measures to improve water quality.
“I want to see all stakeholders to continue to work collaboratively on this issue and the Better Farming for Water Campaign is about coordinating and crucially expediting this effort.
“Water quality is not just the concern of the agricultural sector. It is an area that my Department is significantly investing in.’’
Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc said:
“I wish to convey my thanks to all who have contributed to the development of the Slaney Catchment Action Plan, especially the Water Quality team in Teagasc. I further wish to acknowledge the members of the Slaney Catchment Implementation Group Oversight Committee, whose generous commitment of time and expertise has been instrumental in supporting the formulation of this plan. I extend my best wishes to all involved as they work towards delivering the ambitious programme outlined in the document.”
Chairperson of the Slaney Implementation Group, Pat Murphy, commented:
“The Slaney Catchment farmers are rightly very proud of the Slaney’s rich heritage, and the Slaney Catchment Action Plan sets out to achieve the necessary improvement in water quality through the co-ordinated actions of a broad coalition of stakeholders. It is now essential that every farmer in the Slaney supports the Better Farming for Water initiative. Working together, we can deliver significant water quality improvement while protecting the livelihoods of farmers and those in the agri-food industry.”
Chairman of Tirlán, John Murphy said:
“It builds on the significant progress made since the establishment of the Tirlán-led, European award-winning Farming for Water: River Slaney project in 2024. It recognises what can be achieved when we work together with a shared purpose in the Slaney catchment, and increasingly right across the country. I want to acknowledge the contribution of key stakeholders, including Tirlán colleagues, Teagasc, Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), IFAC, and most importantly, the participating farm families. Over the next three years, as we work collectively to retain the nitrates derogation, Tirlán will continue to partner with our farm family Co-op Members, Teagasc and all stakeholders to intensify our efforts across the entire Tirlán catchment. We are now applying the learning and proven approaches from the Slaney to other priority areas, moving beyond individual projects, and embedding water quality improvement as a core part of how we support farming across our full supply base.”
At the launch, a comprehensive booklet was produced outlining the 6-Pillars of the Slaney Catchment programme that includes stakeholder engagement using a multi-actor approach, building awareness using detailed maps on water quality, upskilling programmes for farmers, advisors, teachers and industry professionals, an impactful KT programme, a supporting research programme and a communications plan.
The full Slaney Catchment Action Plan can be viewed here
Watch a video below to find out more about the Slaney Catchment