The Irish government has launched a new plan to improve water quality and restore freshwater habitats across the country. Malcolm Noonan, the Minister of State for nature, heritage and electoral reform, announced the Water Action Plan 2024, calling it a crucial step towards meeting EU water quality standards.
The plan aims to bring Ireland’s water bodies to “good” status or better by 2027. It includes stricter rules on fertilizer use, more staff for enforcement, and increased farm inspections. Uisce Éireann, the national water utility, will invest billions of euros in wastewater infrastructure improvements.
A new program will focus on removing barriers in rivers to help fish like salmon swim upstream to spawn. The government will also review drainage laws to better manage land use.
“It’s well past time to clean up our rivers, lakes and coasts,” said Minister Noonan. He emphasized that the plan will involve local communities in understanding and solving water quality issues in their areas.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien added that the plan is a key part of the government’s agenda, saying it “puts us on a strong course to protecting our ecosystems.”
According to the Irish Examiner, this initiative comes at a critical time as Ireland faces growing population pressures and climate change challenges. The success of the plan will depend on widespread cooperation to safeguard the country’s vital water resources for future generations.