Cork communities asked for their views on the health of local rivers
The project is gathering local knowledge and developing an action plan for both areas. Water quality solutions identified will be used to feed into future national and EU policy.
Residents of two key river catchment areas in Co Cork are being invited to share their views on the health of local rivers.
Kilbrin Village Hub will host an open consultation on the local Awbeg and Ketragh rivers while Courtbrack Community Centre is the venue for drop-ins about the Shournagh sub-catchment.
Waters of LIFE is an EU-funded project trialling water quality measures that work for local communities.
The project is gathering local knowledge and developing an action plan for both areas. Water quality solutions identified will be used to feed into future national and EU policy.
Managed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the project involves 16 partners, with an overall budget of €20m.
The aim is to reverse the long-term trend of decline in Ireland’s 'high-status' waters. High-status rivers are those considered to be in pristine condition and rich in biodiversity.
As part of the project, agri-environmental schemes with results-based payments will be launched in 2025 for farmers.
Those involved with the project wish to speak to residents of Kilbrin, Castlemagner and surrounds on August 12 and 14.
The Shournagh sub-catchment includes the Shournagh and Sheep rivers and all the waters that flow into them. Drop-in consultations take place in Courtbrack on August 13 and 15.
There is an afternoon session (12:30pm to 14:30pm) and evening session (18:30pm to 20:30pm) across the four days. No appointment is necessary and locals are welcome to drop in and chat with their catchment scientist.
“We want to hear from people who live in the area and have something to say about its rivers,” Awbeg (Kilbrin) catchment scientist Philip Murphy said.
“Tell us about any water-related issues or changes you’ve seen over the years. Having those chats and drawing from local expertise will really help us to review and update our approach.”
Ciarán Sheelan is a catchment scientist in the Shournagh area. He said that the people who live in the area "are the ones who know its rivers best".
"We’re also happy to share what we know so far about the issues and pressures that have been identified," he added.
The project was first introduced in Co Cork at public meetings in September 2022. Since then, a desk study and local catchment assessment has been completed by the Local Authority Waters Programme to identify pressures and issues affecting local water bodies.
All participants will receive a booklet with a summary of water quality for their sub-catchment. Waters of LIFE will present a catchment management plan for the area at public meetings later in the year.
