National Water Forum Staff

Dónal Purcell

Senior Executive Officer     
 Donal@nationalwaterforum.ie

 

 

Triona McGrath

Research & Policy Lead
Triona@nationalwaterforum.ie

 

Aisling Corkery

Research & Policy Executive                  

Aisling@nationalwaterforum.ie

 

Gretta McCarron

Communications & Education Lead

Gretta@nationalwaterforum.ie

 

Martina Ryan

Clerical Officer
Martina@nationalwaterforum.ie

 

 

Stakeholders Members
Agriculture (1) DOMINIC CRONIN - Irish Co-operative Society (ICOS) - Dominic is a member of the ICOS Dairy Committee, a dairy farmer from County Cork, a Board member of Boherbue Co-Op and a former chair of the National Dairy Council. Dominic joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in 2021, representing ICMSA. He was nominated by ICOS to the Board of Ornua in 2022. Dominic has been a member of the Forum since 2017. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Agriculture (2) EAMONN CARROLL - Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association - Eamon is a dairy and beef farmer from Tipperary and has a strong focus on the sustainability of the Irish agriculture sector. Eamon is Deputy President of ICMSA and Chairperson of ICMSA’s Farm & Rural Affairs Committee and has considerable knowledge of water and wider environmental issues. Eamon is also Chairperson of the National Dairy Council which has a strong focus on improving the sustainability of Irish dairy farming. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Agriculture (3) DR MARIA SNELL - MACRA - Maria is a Senior Research and Policy Executive at Macra. Formally, Maria was a Senior Scientific Officer (Ecology and Biodiversity) in the Agri-food and Bioscience Institute Northern Ireland and programme lead for Freshwater Ecology within the Catchment Science Unit. Maria also coordinated the ‘Ecology and Biomonitoring’ programme of the DEFRA funded UK ‘Demonstration Test Catchment’ project. A central tenet of Maria’s work is on research related to the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, EU Nitrates Directive and Phosphorus Regulations with a particular focus on ecological and water quality. Maria obtained a PhD in Environmental Science (specialising in ecology of diatoms in freshwater habitats) at Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, UK. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Agriculture (4) TADHG BUCKLEY - Irish Farmers Association (IFA) - From a farming background, Tadhg is currently Director of Policy/Chief Economist with the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), Ireland’s largest farming organisation. Prior to joining the IFA, Tadhg worked in the finance industry as Head of Agriculture with AIB Bank. He holds a Degree in Agricultural Science from UCD as well as an MBA from University of Limerick. Tadhg is also a Nuffield Scholar - his study examined the role of dairy futures markets & other price risk management mechanisms in the EU Dairy Industry. He is also a member of the Agricultural Science Association and a Qualified Financial Advisor. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Angling MARTIN Mc ENROE - The Angling Council of Ireland - Martin has been a serving member of many boards including Inland Fisheries Ireland, Salmon Regional Fisheries Board, National Salmon Commission, National Eel Group and the Angling Council of Ireland. He possesses excellent negotiating skills and have achieved mutual agreements working with many groups over the years. On the Forum he advocated for the research on Invasive Species Management in Ireland that led to policy recommendations that will be included by the NPWS in Irelands National Invasive Species Strategy. Martin currently represents the Forum on the NPWS IAS Strategy Development Committee. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Business NEIL WALKER - Irish Business & Employers Confederation (IBEC) - Until Neil retired in December 2023, he headed up the Infrastructure Policy team in Ibec, Ireland's largest business representative organisation. His main areas of responsibility included energy, climate, environment, transport, planning, health & safety and the circular economy. Prior to joining Ibec in 2010, Neil worked in the Sustainable Energy Authority. Before that he held a variety of senior management positions in business and industry. Originally from the UK, he holds an engineering degree from Cambridge University an MBA from The London Business School, and a PhD in Environmental Economics from UCD. Neil now works independently & provides consultancy services to Ibec & continues to be their representative on the Forum. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Chairperson DR MATTHEW CROWE - Independent Chair - Matt joined the Water Forum as Chair in 2022. Matt was employed at the EPA since 1995 and has held Directorships with responsibility for Communications & Corporate Services & the Office of Evidence & Assessment. Prior to joining the EPA, he worked in Vancouver, Canada, for five years, conducting contract research in applied environmental sciences. Matt holds a B.Sc. and PhD from University College, Dublin. Term of Office 1/2/2025-31/1/2028
Community & Voluntary (1) MARIA O’GORMAN - Community and Voluntary Pillar - Maria has extensive experience in a wide spectrum of local and national organisations which has helped her achieve successful project completion and provide oversight and guidance to organisations in an independent and unbiased manner. Additionally, her experience in finance and involvement in boards of management have given her an awareness and respect for corporate governance and risk management in the current business environment. Some of Maria’s roles are as follows: Board Member and Treasurer of Irish Rural Link 2013 – to date, member of the board of ERCA (European Rural Community Alliance), nominated by Irish Rural Link representing Ireland, elected to the Board of NALA in 2016 (currently Vice Chairperson), Board Member of Kerry Education & Training Board (Kerry ETB) 2004 – to date. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Community & Voluntary (2) MICHAEL KENNY - Irish Rural Link - Michael holds an Agricultural Science degree, a Rural Development Masters, a Higher Diploma in Higher Education, and a level-10 Post-Graduate Diploma in Educational Management. He recently retired from a Maynooth University Dept. of Adult and Community Education teaching academic post. Some of Michael’s roles & experience are as follows: Board secretary of Irish Rural Link, Experience in youth and community work in Ireland (Macra & Community and voluntary sector) and Africa (8 years in development, relief, and volunteer emergency humanitarian work) & has engaged extensively with formal, non-formal, & voluntary rural & urban organisations, Treasurer of the gold award holding Maynooth Tidy Towns (MTT) and Maynooth Heritage group - historic trail in Maynooth & Member of Maynooth Sustainable Energy Committee (SEC) who achieved Kildare Decarbonisation status for Maynooth (2022). Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Education DR SUZANNE LINNANE - Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) - Suzanne heads up the ‘Water, Communities and Development’ theme in the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies at DkIT. She has been engaging in multi- and trans-disciplinary, collaborative water related research in Ireland, Europe and Africa since 2005, and has built up a number of strong and active partnerships with key academic institutions, policy makers, NGOs, SMEs and community groups both nationally and internationally. She has a strong track record in environmental education and science outreach initiatives and is co-founder and coordinator of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded H2O Heroes science outreach programme and was actively involved in the development and roll-out of the NFGWS’s All about Water curriculum. These engaging environmental education programmes link environmental research, third level education, communities and primary schools. She also has a strong track record in fisheries having worked for Inland Fisheries Ireland, most notably assessing the extent and distribution of both shad and lamprey nationally. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Environment (1) CHARLES STANLEY SMITH - Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) - Charles is a member of the National Advisory Group for Public Participation Networks (PPNs) and Tipperary PPN Secretariat and was Chair of Tipperary Local Community Development Committee 2015-2021 and a member of the CAP Consultancy Committee (from 2023 to 2027). He was also the Chair of An Taisce 2006-2011. Charles is concerned with sustainability, water quality and security of supply, PPNs and public engagement in water management, SDGS and planning for sustainability. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Environment (2) DR ELAINE Mc GOFF - The Environmental Pillar (IEN) - Elaine is the Natural Environment Officer with An Taisce, working on environmental planning, policy, and advocacy covering a broad range of topics from forestry and aquaculture to agriculture and water quality. Elaine reviews ecologically sensitive licensing and planning applications across these sectors, with a view to ensuring compliance with EU and National environmental law. Her ambition for the Forum is to see a structured dialogue across all sectors effecting real collaborative change for the protection of Ireland's water. She has a PhD in Freshwater Ecology from Trinity College Dublin and has worked in the freshwater world both nationally and across Europe for the past 15 years. Term of Office 1/2/2024 - 31/1/2027
Environment (3) FINTAN KELLY - The Environmental Pillar (IEN) - Fintan is an environmental scientist with over eleven years’ experience working on environmental policy and advocacy within the Irish environmental NGO sector. He has experience in managing national and international advocacy campaigns, leading on campaign delivery including project management, research and policy development, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Areas of expertise include biodiversity, agriculture, land use and fisheries policy and environmental law and planning in Ireland and Europe. Fintan has worked with Sustainable Water Network, An Taisce, Birdwatch Ireland, and is currently the Agriculture and Land Use Policy & Advocacy Officer with the Irish Environmental Network. Term of Office 1/2/2025-31/1/2027
Environment (4) KARIN DUBSKY - Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) - Karin is an Environmental Scientist, Staff in Civil & Environmental Engineering Trinity College Dublin, Co-Founder & Director of Coastwatch and Director of the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN). She is the Coastwatch representative on the Environment Pillar and the Environmental Pillar rep. on several bodies, including the EMFF monitoring committee and Minister’s MSP advisory group. She is also a Ramsar wetland committee member and Ramsar non-government focal point. Additionally, Karin is a newly appointed member of the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Her work is in biodiversity, in water (riverine, small ponds and wetlands, estuary and coastal waters), EIA, CZM and education fields in academia. She has worked as a contractor with UNESCO, WHO and consultancy firms in Ireland and abroad – including Kosovo, several Black Sea countries and the Czech Republic. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Environment (5) SINÉAD O’BRIEN - Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) - Sinéad has been leading the Sustainable Water Network's (SWAN) work for over 16 years, has a degree in Zoology from University College Cork and is a passionate advocate for the water environment. Sinéad oversees all of SWAN’s work, represents SWAN on a number of public bodies and leads SWAN’s policy work related to River Basin Management Planning and the EU Water Framework Directive. Sinéad has been a member of the Water Forum since 2017. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Fisheries/Aquaculture DAVID DOWNES - National & Regional Inshore Fisheries Forum - David has been involved in Inshore Fishing as a Commercial Fisherman for the past 30 years. He is a member of the North-West Regional Inshore Fisheries Forum, wherein he represents the Raghly fishermen in Co. Sligo. Term of Office 11/4/2024-10/4/2027
Forestry MARIE DOYLE - Forestry Sectoral Bodies - Marie Doyle is a Lecturer in Forestry in University College Dublin. Her areas of teaching include Sustainable Forest Management, Forest Certification, Professional Communication in Forestry, and the delivery of the capstone Forest Management Plan module for final years. er research interests in recent years include the extent and characterisation of High Nature Value forests in Ireland. Marie believes the integration of water management and water protection is a key aspect of standard practice in forestry, and pointedly a core component of forest certification. The careful planning of forest operations, and integration of new policies and directives into practice naturally requires an understanding and appreciation of the aspects of forestry practice that can impact on water – both in mitigating potential negative impacts and enhancing those positive interactions of trees and water. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
General Consumers (1) CONNIE ROCHFORD - Domestic Water Consumer - Connie Rochford, has a BA in Sociology, MA in Political Science and a PhD in Education Policy and has been a member of the Forum since 2016 and has acted as Chairperson in the interim between Chairs. Connie has served on the Strategic Plan subcommittee and both Standing Committees from their initiation and chaired both the Education subcommittee and the Public Participation working group. Connie is a founding member and Secretary/Treasurer of Wexford Volunteer Centre. I am interested in participating in the Water Forum because I believe that water is a social asset and its conservation, management and services are of concern to all citizens and consequently policy recommendations need to reflect this over any other special interests. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
General Consumers (2) KEITH HYLAND - Domestic Water Consumer - Keith is a freelance Lighting Director working in broadcast media. Previously, Keith worked with RTÉ across the entire range of televised output, including some of Ireland's largest televised events. Keith joined the Public Water Forum as an Irish Water customer to pursue the principles of consumer rights and participatory democracy. He is now the chair of the Water Services Standing Committee. Term of Office 1/2/2024 - 31/1/2027
Recreation CIARÁN MAGUIRE - Canoeing Ireland - Ciarán has been involved in Water sports, as an athlete, business owner and NGB Director for almost 30 years. He is currently Director of Operations with Canoeing Ireland, with oversight of conferences & events; development programmes; regional hubs; facility development. Ciarán has a keen interest in the environment and has been instrumental in embedding environmental awareness modules into kayaking training programmes. He has experience both the commercial and volunteer aspects of sport and has a proven track record in building a sound business model in the water sport industry. Ciarán has worked with and provided services for a diverse range of people over the years, from multi-national corporations to school children from challenging backgrounds. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Rivers Trusts DR CONSTANZE O’TOOLE - Rivers Trusts in Ireland- Constanze is an experienced Freshwater Ecologist & Manager with a demonstrated history of working in research and the environmental NGO sector. She is skilled in project management, environmental education, water protection, freshwater ecology and community work and has strong communication and community engagement skills. Constanze holds a Ph.D. in Science and a Higher PG Diploma in Monitoring, Assessment and Environmental Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. She is the Irish Development Manager of the Rivers Trust, which involves supporting the rivers trust movement in Ireland and building capacity of member rivers trusts, and diversifying funding streams for the movement, including EU funding. Constanze is also Coordinator of the iCatch Hub Network and Project Manager of the Interreg NWE BUFFER+ project. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Rural Water (1) JEAN ROSNEY - National Federation of Group Water Schemes - Jean is the Senior Development Co-ordinator with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS). Jean has worked in rural water for over 18 years and my interests are in protecting & improving our water resources to protect public health & our environment through implementation of targeted mitigation actions to tackle pollution risks, encouraging water conservation and promoting climate action & biodiversity initiatives. Jean feels education and awareness are very important for all age levels as well and learning from others through knowledge transfers. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Rural Water (2) MARK FARRELLY - National Federation of Group Water Schemes- Mark is the chief executive officer of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS). Mark has worked with the NFGWS since 2020, previously as Education, Information and Research Officer. He has a strong interest in all aspects of drinking water delivery and the co-operative community ethos of the group water scheme sector. He has a particular interest in the social impacts garnered through enhanced community participation in the protection and management of our water resources. Term of Office 1/10/2024-30/9/2027
Social Housing DAVID WRIGHT - Irish Council for Social Housing - David has been engaged with the Water Forum since its early inception as the Public Water Forum in 2015. Initially representing the Community & Voluntary Pillar and since 2020 The Irish Council for Social Housing. David’s overall remit is the protection of the most vulnerable in our society and seeking the highest standards in the protection of water sources and the production and security of drinking water. David’s experience of the public and private sector is extensive, including the voluntary sector, focusing on the behavioural sciences. As an enthusiastic hill walker and marine activities, he takes a strong interest in all environment matters. Terms of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Tourism STEVE CONLON - Irish Boat Rental Association - Steve is a self-employed consultant providing management services for the Irish Boat Rental Association, the trade association representing the leading cruise hire companies on the River Shannon. His other clients include the Irish Marine Federation, Marine Institute, Wicklow County Council and Netherlands' Department of Economy. He is a Council Member of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation ITIC, Member of the Failte Ireland Industry Advisory Group, Member of the Irelands Hidden Heartlands Stakeholder Group, Member of the Dept. Housing Advisory Panel for the implementation of Marine Spatial Planning, and Member of the Stakeholder Advisory Group for the implementation of Marine Protected Areas. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027
Trade Unions BRENDAN O’BRIEN - SIPTU - Brendan is a full time official with the trade union SIPTU in Ireland since 2001. Brendan has worked across a number of different industrial sectors over the years including the brief for Public Administration and specifically within that division, workers in water services. Brendan was heavily involved in the negotiations leading to the Water Services Framework, relating to the establishment of the Uisce Eireann as a publicly owned national utility. Brendan represents the union at local and European level and currently holds the post of the Head of Division for the Public administration and Community Division within SIPTU. Among other qualifications, Brendan holds a UCD Diploma in Performance Management. Term of Office 25/03/2025-24/03/2028
Youth/Interests of 3rd level students EIMEAR MANNING - National Youth Council of Ireland - Eimear holds an M.S. in Environmental Sustainability (Marine Specification) and Joint B.A. Geographical Science & English. She has extensive experience provides here with excellent knowledge on the intersection of global climate/marine issues with social justice issue, and potential negative impacts to communities. She has been Climate Justice Development Officer with the National Youth Council of Ireland since 2021. This is a diverse role, but the following are some examples of projects and work she has undertaken: Project lead for ‘Future Generations Climate Justice Project’ consortium. This year’s focus is on SDG 14- Life Below Water, Co-created and finalised the NYCI’s first internal Climate Justice Policy, facilitated the youth-led project to create Irelands first and only Climate Justice Charter, Workshop delivery & keynote speaking at variety of events centred around climate and marine issues. Eimear is also a member of the Legal Recommendation Drafting Group, Council of Europe (Strasburg & Budapest) since 2023 which involves ongoing policy writing and reviewing the Council of Europe draft recommendation on Young People & Climate Action. Term of Office 1/2/2024-31/1/2027

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Water Forum Newsletter No. 21 Autumn 2025

Please find our Newsletter covering our key outputs for the last quarter. Inside this edition, you will find updates on: Recent sector developments The Forum’s policy submissions and recommendations on
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