“The ongoing loss of high-status waters is among the most concerning, protracted and persistent water quality trends in Ireland.” The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan highlighted the point when he launched the Waters of LIFE strategic project in May 2022.
The aim of the Waters of LIFE project is to reverse the long-term trend of decline in Ireland’s “high-status” waters. Managed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the strategic project involves 16 partners including government departments, State agencies, local authorities, and local development companies, with an overall budget of €20 million.
High-status rivers are those considered to be in pristine condition and rich in biodiversity and Ireland is one of a small number of EU member states that still has a number of high-status water bodies. However, the number of remaining high-status sites has declined from 31.5% (1987-1990) to 19.9% (2017-2020), representing an almost 37% decline in number according to EPA data.
The six catchments included in this scheme are:
The Shournagh, Co Cork, near Tower and Blarney
The Awbeg, Co. Cork, near Kanturk
The Island River in the Galway/Roscommon area near Ballymoe
Rivers in the catchment of Lough Graney, Co. Clare
The Avonmore, Co. Wicklow
The Sheen, Kerry, as a control river for the strategic project.