Minister launches Lee and Bandon-Ilen Action Plan to improve water quality
Pictured on the Bandon river for the Lee Bandon and Illen river was Christopher O'Sullivan TD minister of state for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity who launched the event with local dairy farmer and Teagasc member Vanessa Kiely O'Connor along with Jim Bergin, chair of BFFW steering committee, Frank O'Mara, director Teagasc Stan Lalor, Teagasc Vincent O'Donovan, chairperson Carbery group, Liam Herlihy, Teagasc, Roy Kingston, farmer and chairman of catchment implementation group, Enda Buckley, director of sustainability, Carbery and Oisín Coackley, catchment co-ordinator. Picture: Denis Boyle
The Lee and Bandon-Ilen Catchment Action Plan was recently launched as part of the ‘Better Farming for Water’ campaign run by Teagasc.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, officially launched the action plan on March 27.
The plan aims to support and accelerate the adoption of the “8 Actions for Change” on farms across both catchments to improve water quality where agriculture is a significant pressure.
The Lee and Bandon-Ilen are two of the eight priority catchments, along with the Barrow, Blackwater, Boyne, Nore, Slaney and Suir, identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “catchments of concern,” requiring tailored, locally driven programmes to reduce nutrient and sediment losses and restore water quality.
The latest EPA water quality assessments highlight the need for coordinated on farm actions, which is a core aim of the campaign.
A dedicated Lee and Bandon-Ilen Catchment Implementation Group (CIG) has been established to oversee delivery of the Action Plan.
Carbery Group, based in Ballineen, have undertaken the role of ‘industry lead,’ with the aim to encourage collaboration among stakeholders across the Lee and Bandon-Ilen catchments.
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The group brings together farmers, local authorities, catchment based industry representatives, regulators, catchment scientists, and specialists from LAWPRO and the ACP programme, Teagasc, and independent farm advisers. It is chaired by Roy Kingston, supported by a dedicated Teagasc Catchment Coordinator, Oisín Coakley.
Speaking at the launch, Minister O’Sullivan said: “The issue of water quality is central to the future of communities across Cork, and indeed across the whole country...
The Lee and Bandon–Ilen action plan is a clear example of a collaborative, practical and science led approach. Implementation really is key, and this is where my focus is as Minister for Nature. I want to acknowledge the commitment of the farmers across County Cork who are already making changes and who will play a vital role in delivering lasting improvements for our rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters.”
Director of Teagasc, Professor Frank O’Mara, said: “Farmers have a crucial role to play in restoring and protecting water quality. Across the country, we are already seeing evidence of positive change, but further progress is needed and achievable through the widespread adoption of the 8 Actions for Change.”
Chairman of Carbery Group, Vincent O’Donovan, said: “Water quality is central to the future of farming in the Lee and Bandon-Ilen catchment and our rural communities. As a farmer, I know the care that goes into managing the land and waterways every day. This programme is about working together to take practical steps on farms, and at Carbery Group, we are proud to support our farmer shareholders in delivering real improvements.”
At the launch, a comprehensive booklet was presented outlining the six pillars of the Lee and Bandon-Ilen Catchment Action Plan. These include stakeholder engagement through a multi-actor approach, enhanced awareness supported by detailed water quality mapping, upskilling programmes for farmers, advisers, teachers and agri industry professionals, a strengthened Knowledge Transfer (KT) programme, a supporting research programme, and a coordinated communications strategy.
These pillars provide a structured and collaborative framework to deliver measurable improvements in water quality locally, while supporting Ireland’s ability to meet Nitrates Directive and Water Framework Directive requirements.
The detailed booklet is now available online after the launch of the action plan.
