Local Authority Waters Programme announces rebrand
LAWPRO has announced that they will be rebranding under the name River Basin Management Service
The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) has announced a rebrand as it continues its role in supporting the delivery of Ireland’s water quality objectives.
LAWPRO has announced its rebrand to work under the name ‘River Basin Management Service’ (RBMS).
The RBMS works on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore water quality in our rivers, lakes, estuaries, ground and coastal water through catchment science and local community engagement, and is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Since the organisation's establishment in 2016, it has awarded €7.5m to 1,208 community projects supporting local water quality improvements through the Community Water Development Fund and Catchment Support Fund, while also providing regular grants through the Small Grants and Events Scheme and annual Heritage Week funding.
Read More
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, TD, welcomed the announcement: “As we prepare Ireland’s next Water Action Plan, this change of name reflects the organisation’s critical role in coordinating and supporting the protection and restoration of waterbodies across Ireland.”
“With support from my department, the River Basin Management Service will continue to provide funding for community groups to improve water quality, to undertake necessary catchment science assessments, and to support local authorities in implementing the Water Action Plan,” he added.
Director of Services at the River Basin Management Service, Anthony Coleman, added: “While the services provided continue to evolve, the River Basin Management Service will continue to operate as the same local authority shared service, dedicated to protecting and restoring water quality across Ireland through catchment science, community engagement, partnership development, funding supports and collaborative action.”
Chair of the County and City Management Association’s Environment, Climate and Circular Economy Committee and Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran said: “The local government sector plays a key role in the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. Working on behalf of the sector, the River Basin Management Service supports county and city councils across Ireland to protect and restore water quality through science-led action, partnership and community engagement.
“Through this vital work, this local authority shared service helps to deliver national and sectoral environmental objectives while providing lasting benefits for communities throughout the country. It will continue to provide this essential technical expertise and local authority coordination.”
RBMS will maintain a strong emphasis on community engagement and stewardship of local water bodies, alongside a science-led approach to identifying pressures and targeting solutions to improve water quality.
The organisation says it will continue to grow its Nature-based Solutions programme and the Blue Dot Catchments Programme, co-ordinate the Farming for Water EIP and further develop its training programmes for local authorities.
A new website – riverbasin.ie - will be launched to coincide with the change of name and will provide information for the general public about the work of the River Basin Management Service, its programmes and funding opportunities.
41881666[#embed3]
