€940,000 EU boost for Upper Blackwater water quality

THE European Commission approved a grant last week towards restoration of water quality in the Upper Blackwater in Co Cork.

The project has a total budget of €2 million, of which 47%, or €940,000, comes from the EU. The aim is to improve conditions for the kingfisher, freshwater pearl mussel, Atlantic salmon and European otter.

The project includes clearing invasive plants and overgrown bank vegetation to allow the river bed stabilise, and building nesting areas for kingfishers.