Our role

The Functions of the Water Forum as set out in the Water Services Act 2017 Include:

1. To advise the Minister in relation to Government water policy haveing regard to amongst other things, the following:
   1. water conservation
   2. rural water services
   3. the interests of the customers of Irish Water
2. To make recommendations to Irish Water
   1. in relation to the performance by Irish Water in its functions, and
   2. when requested in writing in that behalf by Irish Water, on any policy document prepared by Irish Water
3. To advise and provide observation to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU)#
   1. in relation to the performance by Irish Water of its functions
   2. when requested in writing on any consultation document prepared in respect of water services
4. To advise the Water Policy Advisory Committee (WPAC)
   1. in relation to any River Basin Management Plan and implementation of the plan
   2. on matters pertaining to the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive
   3. on matters concerning the management of the inland aquatic environment and water resources
5. To examine such other water-related matters including carrying out research concerning those matters, as the Minister requests the Forum to examine and to advise the Minister accordingly.

In addition to the above, the Water Forum endeavours to enhance public understanding of the value of water and the water environment. It advocates on the need for and benefits of meaningful public engagement and education on water resource management.

The following are the principles by which the members of the Forum have agreed to conduct all aspects of its business:

• Transparency and Openness – all documents will be made available to the Members and Forum minutes will be published on adoption
• Fairness – the decisions/outputs of the Forum should be representative of the views of the group as a whole
• Equality and Respect – all Members will be afforded equal opportunity to voice their opinion and contribute to the work of the Forum
• Efficiency – it is recognised that time and resources will be limited. Therefore the work and meetings of the Forum will be managed in as efficient a manner as possible
• Collegiality and Tolerance – the Members of the Forum will work together in the spirit of collegiality and tolerance
• Common Goal – the Members of the Forum will work together towards a common goal of an improved water environment for all

Water Services Standing Committee

An Fóram Uisce, at its meeting held on the 10^th April 2018, made a decision to establish a Water Services Standing Committee and in so doing, re-iterated its commitment to facilitating stakeholder engagement on all water services issues (including drinking water and waste water) at a national, strategic policy level with the common goal of improving the supply and quality of drinking water and protecting and restoring our waters.

The Standing Committee commenced its work in July 2018 and meets on a bi-monthly basis and on additional occasions as determined by the work programme.

The role of the Committee includes responsibility to report to the Water Forum at its plenary meetings in relation to the following Strategic Objectives:

• Advise the Minister on the formulation of national policy relating to water and wastewater services
• Engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Housing (DHLGH) on rural water issues
• Engage with Irish Water, Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, EPA and DHLGH on the deliver of water and wastewater services

The Committee submits its reports for consideration at the plenary meetings of the Forum.  It is chaired by Barry Deane and comprises of members including Dr  Connie Rochford, David Wright, Denis Drennan, Jean Rosney, Keith Hyland, Neil Walker,  Sinead O’Brien, Dr Suzanne Linnane and Dr Tim Butter.

Catchment Management Standing Committee

An Fóram Uisce, at its meeting held on the 10^th April 2018, made a decision to establish a Catchment Management Standing Committee and in so doing, re-iterates its commitment to facilitating stakeholder engagement on all catchment management issues at a national, strategic policy level with the common goal of restoring our waters and also improving the supply and quality of drinking water.

The role of the Committee includes responsibility to report to the Water Forum at its plenary meetings in relation to the following Strategic Objectives:

• Advise the Minister on the formulation of national policy relating to water
• Review and advise on policy implementation in relation to the River Basin Management Plan and the Water Framework Directive
• Identify and advocate for optimum level of engagement with the implementation structures of the River Basin Management Plan
• Advocate for whole of Government approaches to water and environmental management
• Complement and critique the work of implementing bodies and agencies to improve water quality outcomes

The Standing Committee will consider and make recommendations to An Fóram in relation to the goals and actions identified in the Strategic Plan in relation to these objectives, as requested by An Fóram and/or as considered appropriate by the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee is chaired by Dr Matt Crowe and comprises of members including Brendan Fitzsimons, Charles Stanley Smith, Connie Rochford, Denis Drennan, Dominic Cronin, Dr Elaine McGoff, Gerald Quain, Jean Rosney, Martin McEnroe, Sinead O’Brien, Siobhan Ward, and Dr Suzanne Linnane.

The Standing Committee commenced its work in March 2018 and meets on a bi-monthly basis and on additional occasions as determined by the work programme.

Working groups

An Fóram establishes working groups as required by the work programme.

Plenary Meetings

The Water Forum holds a plenary meeting every 6 weeks approximately.

Meeting Minutes of plenary meetings are available in publications

Policy Submissions, Policy Briefs & Observations

In accordance with the requirements of the Water Services Act 2017, the Forum has an advisory role in relation to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Irish Water, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities and also the Water Policy Advisory Body. Issues regarding rural water services is also a function of the Forum and are addressed through Policy Submissions, Policy Briefs and Observations.

All submissions are listed in our publications

Research Reports

Sometimes it is necessary to seek outside expertise in order to make an informed submission. To this end An Fóram commissions research reports from experts on the required topics.

We also have an agreed Research Strategy to inform our policy recommendations on particular water-related topics.

All research reports are available in publications

Education Resources 

The Water Forum has developed an Education Strategy and is currently working to implement the actions within this.

The Water Forum co-ordinates a water education  network to share resources and disseminate information.

Education and awareness resources are available in publications

Communications

The Water Forum has developed a Communications Strategy and is currently working to implement the actions within this.

The Water Forum hosts Symposia and Webinars on topics related to protecting our water resources and to disseminate information and encourage debate.

A quarterly Newsletter is published and submit articles to members newsletters and relevant magazines and journals.

Newsletters and updates on the Forum’s work is available on the News section on this site

Press Releases

The Water Forum comments on significant water management issues and regularly submits press releases on its work programme.

Press releases are available in publications