Public meeting to discuss Lough Derg's water quality

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is inviting members of the public, and in particular community groups, anglers and individuals with an interest in water quality, to a community information meeting about water quality in Lough Derg on 12th February at 7pm in Killaloe Hotel & Spa, Kincora Harbour, Co. Clare, V94 W025.

Representatives from LAWPRO will attend the meeting which will explore ways the local community can collaborate on projects to raise awareness of water quality and to help restore, protect, and enhance Lough Derg.

While Lough Derg has been negatively impacted by growing pollution and faces significant challenges to restore its water quality, this meeting will further engage the active community that already exists and discuss new public participation opportunities to improve water quality in the lake.

Barry Deane, LAWPRO’s Regional Co-ordinator in the South West, said:

“This community meeting is a chance for local people in Tipperary, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Offaly to take an active role in protecting Lough Derg.

"By working together, we can develop practical solutions to improve water quality in the lake for both wildlife and the local community.

"We encourage community groups, anglers, and locals to come to the meeting, share their knowledge, and be part of the effort to restore and enhance this important waterbody.”

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Funding opportunities for water quality related projects will be outlined at the meeting along with the work being coordinated by LAWPRO in the wider catchment.

Work underway at a national level in five pilot catchment areas to establish Catchment Community Fora will also be discussed.

These are structured local fora, designed to improve public participation within each pilot catchment and allow communities to develop local solutions for better water quality and environmental outcomes.

The fora are part of a national pilot under Ireland’s current River Basin Management Plan, the Water Action Plan 2024.

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While the Lough Derg area is not one of the five pilot catchments, this collaborative model will be of particular interest to community groups, anglers and locals in the area.

The community meeting is a free event, and all are welcome to attend. Tea/coffee will be provided. You can register for the meeting through LAWPRO’s Eventbrite page.

For more information, visit the Local Authority Waters Programme website: www.lawaters.ie.