The WATER European Innovative Partnership (EIP) project Farming for Water was launched today at a farm within the Dysart (Lough Ennell) waterbody, that was designated as a Priority Area for Action (PAA) under the second cycle of the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP). This farm was one of a number of farms within the waterbody (river catchment) that implemented measures such as drinking points, troughs, buffer margins in collaboration with LAWPRO, ASSAP, IFI and Westmeath Co. Co. These actions have resulted in bringing water quality from polluted to excellent status at the local Lilliput bathing waters in Lough Ennell.
Through this WATER EIP project, the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) along with Teagasc and Dairy Industry Ireland will work with farmers on an individual basis to improve water quality. This will be achieved through the adoption of innovative practices in nutrient management, the application of nature-based Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM) and other measures at farm level following the principles of Integrated Catchment Management. Measures will be designed and targeted specifically to address local challenges such as happened in Dysart, Lough Ennell.
The Farming for Water project is a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) in partnership with industry.
- DAFM will provide technical assistance and funding of €50 million for participating farmers, co-funded by the National Exchequer and the EU under the Common Agricultural Policy. It expects to target 15,000 farmers in priority areas nationally.
- DHLGH will provide administrative support and funding of €10 million. The Water EIP project, which will run until the end of 2027 and will be administered by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO).
The project was launched by Minister Charlie McConalogue, TD., Minister Malcolm Noonan, TD., and Minister Pippa Hackett.
Donal Purcell deputised for Dr Matthew Crowe and represented the Water Forum at the launch event.
