Water of life

For Irish dairy farmers, water quality is central to their focus on environmental sustainability

Niall Moore farms in Annestown, Co Waterford: "I am aware of 420 water improvement projects where there are advisers in place in different water catchment areas". Photograph: Clare Keogh

Dairy farming is at the heart of Irish life; nearly 90% of the dairy products produced by 17,500 family farms (and the 60,000 people they employ) are exported to 130 countries, and contribute over €6 billion to the Irish economy each year. The industry is not, however, without its challenges and its impacts.