IE IEGBNISH SH River Basin Management Plan for the Shannon International River Basin District 2009-2015 2006-06-22 2006-06-22 2008-12-22 Date of Publication of SWMI Report 2007-06-22 Date of Publication of Draft RBMP 2008-12-22 2010-06-30 Glossary and Abbreviations Executive Summary 1. Introduction 2. Description of the Shannon IRBD 3. The status of the waters of the Shannon IRBD 4. The objective of the Shannon IRBD 5. The programme of measures for the Shannon IRBD 6. Integrating plans and programmes Appendix 1 Background documents Appendix 2 Contact details for Local Authorities Appendix 3 Protected Areas in the Shannon IRBD Appendix 4 National legislation transposing eleven key EU Directives relevant to water protection Appendix 5 Shannon IRBD Action Programme In 2003, the WFD was adopted into Irish law, river basin districts and water bodies were delineated and a register of protected areas was generated. River basin district projects were established as well as a public authorities forum. A WFD-compliant monitoring programme was established in 2006. A summary of the Significant Water Management Issues was produced for each river basin district in 2007. These provided an early overview of the regional & local implications of the WFD, highlighting the most significant issues that face the river basin district. Draft RBMPs with a programme of measures were published in December 2008 building on the SWMI reports and further technical work and stakeholder and public feedback. Final RBMPs were published in 2010 building on the draft RBMPs and further technical and prioritisation work and feedback. Tasks undertaken to produce RBMPs included: • Classifying water bodies • Consulting on provisionally identified artificial and heavily modified water bodies • Undertaking mitigation measure, good ecological potential and high status assessments for all artificial and heavily modified water bodies • Preliminary cost effective analysis • Developing scenarios and programme of measures • Setting environmental objectives and justifying alternative objectives • Producing draft River Basin Management Plans for 6 month public consultation in December 2008. • Producing Impact Assessments for 6 month public consultation in December 2008. • Producing Strategic Environmental Assessments for 6 month consultation in December 2008. • Develop final set of measures following consultation of the draft River Basin Management Plans The ShIRBD’s local authorities (Limerick (county and city), Cavan, Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Meath, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary North, Tipperary South and Westmeath) acted jointly to make the plan. Limerick County Council, as the coordinating local authority in the ShIRBD, coordinated the work of the authorities and public participation and coordinates work with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. The EPA is responsible for reporting to the EU, coordinating activities at national level and other tasks such as assigning status, monitoring programmes and review of the RBMP. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) has a coordinating role, and through the Local Government Fund and Water Services Investment Program plays a significant role in determining priority for investment in infrastructure and the availability of resources to local authorities Other public authorities are required to exercise their functions in a manner which is consistent with the objectives of the RBMPs. The Water Framework Directive National Advisory Committee will oversee implementation of the plan at national level. It is chaired by DEHLG and involves representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Environmental Protection Agency, the City and County Managers Association (representing local authorities) and other Government Departments as appropriate. The management plan was considered during its preparation by the RBD Advisory Council, which consists of representatives from local authorities (County and Town Councillors) and community and stakeholder groups (agriculture, angling, industry and non-governmental organisations). Voluntary groups are also involved in River Basin Planning activities primarily through the activities of SWAN (Sustainable Water Network) www.swanireland.ie. SWAN is an umbrella network of 25 of Ireland’s leading national and local environmental organisations specifically constituted to address public participation requirements of the Water Framework Directive. The Register of Plans and Programmes document is a register of programmes and management plans for the River Basin Districts within the Republic of Ireland dealing with particular sub-basins, sectors, issues or water types, together with a summary of their contents. They are listed according to the following policy areas: 1. Land use and Spatial Plans 2. Conservation Measures 3. Water Services Strategic Plans 4. Pollution Reduction Plans a. Nitrates National Action Plan b. Integrated Pollution Prevention Control licensing programme c. Local Authority programmes of discharge authorizations d. Groundwater pollution reduction programmes e. Shellfish waters pollution reduction programmes f. Bathing waters management plans g. Surface water pollution reduction programmes 5. Sludge Management Plans 6. Floods Risk Management Plans 7. Major Accident Emergency Plans 8. Forest Management Plans 9. Heritage Plans 10. Miscellaneous Plans Consultation - Managing Our Shared Waters – A joint North/South Consultation Paper on International River Basin Districts Consultation Document with questionnaire covering specific issues relating to administrative arrangements for implementing the Water Framework Directive 10 weeks The document was sent to a wide range of interested parties including agricultural, commercial, industrial, recreational and community interests, environmental organisations and individual citizens. There was widespread support for the principles and aims contained in the Directive and outlined in the consultation paper, including the sustainable management of all water resources within ecologically defined river basin districts; the North/South coordination of IRBDs; and the principle of active engagement of all stakeholders. The responses received were reflected in the regulations drafted in both jurisdictions to transpose the Water Framework Directive. Consultation; Water Matters – Have your Say! Identification of the most significant water issues and how they affect waters A significant water management issues report was published for each RBD in the form of a booklet titled ‘Water Matters – Have your say!’. The booklets were produced to inform stakeholders of the main significant water management issues that were identified as having an impact on water quality in the RBD. They also outlined proposals for what might be done to address these issues in the River Basin Management Plans. These ‘Water Matters – Have your say’ booklets were published on the 22nd June 2007 in Ireland. Joint booklets (North and South) were published for the International River Basin Districts. A six month consultation period was allowed for public responses to the SWMI report from 22 June 2007 to 22 December 2007 The consultation process was facilitated by the following measures: • Notices were placed in relevant national media on 22nd June 2007, indicating where copies of the ‘Water Matters’ Reports could be obtained and inviting written submissions. General information articles were also published in a number of local and sectoral media. • The ‘Water Matters’ booklet was made available for downloading from the Shannon International River Basin District website (www.shannonrbd.com). Facilities were also provided on these websites to allow stakeholders to send comments / submissions electronically. • The ‘Water Matters – Have your say!’ reports were the subject of a National Advisory Council Conference in Cork. • ‘Water Matters’ reports were disseminated through the International River Basin District Advisory Councils to their constituent stakeholders. • ‘Water Matters’ reports have been disseminated to targeted stakeholder groups electronically and hard copy via post • A series of detailed presentations were made to key stakeholder groups and authorities throughout the Shannon IRBD area (e.g. Advisory Councils; Local Authorities). • Irish language versions of the report entitled ‘Cúrsaí Uisce – abair leat!’ were printed and available to download online from Shannon IRBD website. Printed copies of these reports were available upon request. • In order to publicise the ‘Water Matters’ booklet and provide opportunities for the public to engage in the consultation process, a series of evening meetings were hosted in the two International River Basin Districts by the NS SHARE project during October and November 2007. The public consultation evenings were arranged to publicise the ‘Water Matters – Have your say!’ reports, and to make the public aware of the 6 month consultation period to the 22nd December 2007. The meetings presented the public with an opportunity to submit comments on the booklets in order to shape the development of the River Basin Management Plan. Formal responses to the comments received at the public meetings, in the questionnaires and from written submissions were provided in a Significant Water Matters Digest, available on the project websites. Relevant issues that were raised during the consultation process were considered during the preparation of the draft River Basin Management Plans. The Significant Water Matters Digest is a compilation of written submissions received during the consultation period, completed questionnaires and comments made at public meetings for the Shannon IRBD. All submissions were responded to and were considered during the development of the draft river basin management plans. The compendium of submissions and responses is being distributed to those who took part in the process and other interested parties, and will also be available on the Shannon IRBD website. Given the modest attendance at meetings overall and the level of effort involved, it was clear that awareness of the Water Framework Directive and its implications needed to be addressed through a national awareness programme. Consultation Document: Timetable and Work Programme for making a River Basin Management Plan for the Shannon International River Basin District in Ireland Consultation document on the timetable, work programme and statement of consultation measures with a questionnaire provided covering specific issues relating to consultation arrangements. Written responses were requested on the documentation within the 6 month consultation period. 6 months The document was sent to a wide range of interested parties including agricultural, commercial, industrial, recreational and community interests, environmental organisations and individual citizens. It was also made available on the Shannon IRBD website along with supporting information, contact details, background information to the WFD and more information about the River Basin District. There was widespread support for the principles and aims contained in the Directive and outlined in the consultation paper, including the sustainable management of all water resources within ecologically defined river basin districts; the North/South coordination of IRBDs; and the principle of active engagement of all stakeholders. Shannon IRBD Advisory Council Meetings Regular meetings The advisory group meets at least twice per annum Documents were made available within a dedicated area of the Shannon IRBD website and distributed during and after meeting to Advisory Council members River Basin District Advisory Councils are established by statute under the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations (SI 722 of 2003). The advisory councils provide a formal mechanism to facilitate stakeholder involvement in the making of river basin management plans and establishing the programmes of measures. The advisory councils are composed of key stakeholder groups, including; elected representatives from local authorities, business, environmental non-governmental organisations, recreational water users (e.g. angling and boating groups), citizen groups and educational groups. When preparing and adopting river basin management plans and their programmes of measures local authorities must take full account of the advice and recommendations of the council for the relevant river basin district. Continued engagement with the advisory councils Consultation: The Characterisation and Analysis of Ireland’s river Basin Districts Written Responses 2 months Consultation documents and supporting information available on the WFD Ireland website, along with contact details, background information. A National Seminar was organised jointly by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Local Authorities, and held in Athlone on the 25th January 2005. The availability of the Summary Characterisation Report and subsequent National Seminar allowed a period for all interested parties to make comments and submissions by February 16th 2005. A compendium was prepared detailing extracts from the submissions received and the recommendations and responses prepared on behalf of the National Technical Coordination Group. The comments and submissions received were integrated into the final Summary National Characterisation Report (available to download at http://www.wfdireland.ie). Public participation and stakeholder engagement on Draft River Basin management Plan – Water matters help us plan The consultation period for the RBMP ran for six months from 22 December 2008 to 22 June 2009 and a series of public information events on the Draft Plan and SEA were held in different towns in the District. Notices were publicised in major newspapers circulating in the vicinity, supplemented by radio interviews. In addition, a copy of the Draft Plan, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment were made available on the Shannon IRBD (www.shannonrbd.ie) and WFD Ireland (www.wfdireland.ie) websites for public information. Detailed briefing sessions were given to the Advisory Council which included several democratically elected councillors. A six month consultation period was allowed for public responses to the Draft RBMP from 22 December 2008 to 22 June 2009 A copy of the Draft Plan, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment were made available on the Shannon IRBD (www.shannonrbd.ie) and WFD Ireland (www.wfdireland.ie) websites for public information. In addition background documentation supporting the draft plan and a webGIS system was also made available on www.wfdireland which allowed the public to gain access to detailed information such as status, objectives and measures on a more localised basis i.e. on a water body basis. . The consultation documents were also distributed to individuals and organisations that provided a consultation response to the Significant Water Management Issues report. Advisory Council members, Elected representatives, and public bodies also received the draft plan documentation. The Draft plan was also available upon request from the Project Office and distributed to schools and libraries in the area. In addition during the public consultation days in the District the following information was made available to the public. • Draft Plan (for Shannon IRBD and other RBDs); • Information leaflet (English and Irish); • Draft Environmental Report (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment; • Comments sheet; • WebGIS (on line) to allow more localised analysis of the information contain in the draft plan; • Display boards (area specific maps and statistics); • WFD DVD; • Discussion tables; and • Video • Presentations on request A total of 66 written submissions were received in relation to the draft River Basin Management Plan for the Shannon IRBD across the following sectoral interest groups: local and public authorities; non-governmental organisations; business; and private individuals. A summary of the issues raised and responses is contained in the draft plan submissions digest in the public participation background documents which can be available at www.wfdireland.ie. Draft plan public consultation events were held in Sligo, Portlaoise, Ennis, Galway, Cavan, Limerick, Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon, Mallow and Kilarney. The information events gave the public and stakeholder groups an opportunity to meet with the project team, collect information on the SHIRBD, be introduced to use of the web based RBMP map viewer, and give their views and comments on the draft plans and associated Strategic Environmental and Habitats Directive Assessments. Comment was also facilitated through completion of questionnaires. The majority of the submissions and comments received focused on the significant water management issues and themes identified by earlier public participation stages and dealt with in the draft plan. Issues raised in written submissions, questionnaires and comments received were abstracted and were collated. Issues Included: Wastewater and industrial discharges, Landfills, quarries, mines and contaminated lands, Agriculture, Wastewater from unsewered properties, Forestry, Usage and discharge of dangerous substances, Physical modifications, Abstractions, Locally focused and future issues including: Aquaculture, Invasive Alien Species Invasive Alien Species,Protecting High Quality Areas,Climate Change, Shared Water issues. Other issues: Cruising, Boating & recreation, Public Participation, Economics, Implementation, Basic & Supplementary Measures, Extended Deadlines, Integration with other Plans, Website/Watermaps, Waterbody Specific Issues and Editorial amendments The submission digest was prepared providing a compilation of written submissions received during the consultation period, including completed questionnaires and comments made at public meetings. Responses have been made to submissions, and all were considered during the development of the final river basin management plans. This digest of submissions and responses was distributed to those who took part in the process and other interested parties, and is also available at www.shannonrbd.com and www.wfdireland.ie Water matters "Help us plan!" - Draft River Basin Management Plan for the Shannon International River Basin District. http://wfdireland.ie/docs/2_Draft%20River%20Basin%20Management%20Plans%202008/Shannon%20Tier%202.pdf River Basin Management Plans and Programmes of Measures - Shannon IRBD. Habitats Directive Article 6 Assessment. http://wfdireland.ie/docs/4_HabitatsAssessment/ShIRBD/ Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Water Framework Directive River Basin Management Plans and Programmes of Measures - Shannon IRBD Environmental Report. http://wfdireland.ie/docs/7_StrategicEnvironmentalAssessment/ShannonIRBD/ Digest of Submissions and Responses to the draft River Basin Management Plans for the Shannon International River Basin District. http://www.shannonrbd.com/Final%20RBMP/SHIRBD%20Draft%20RBMP%20Submissions%20Digest.pdf Consultation - Managing Our Shared Waters – A joint North/South Consultation Paper on International River Basin Districts. http://www.wfdireland.ie/Documents/Reports/Managing%20Our%20Shared%20Waters.pdf Water Matters – Have your Say! Identification of the most significant water issues and how they affect waters. http://wfdireland.ie/docs/26_Water%20Matters%20-%20Have%20your%20say!%20Significant%20Water%20Management%20Issues/Shannon%20Water%20Matters%20Booklet.pdf Significant Water Matters Digest report produced to summarise the formal responses to the comments received at the public meetings, in the questionnaires and from written submissions for the Shannon International River Basin District. http://wfdireland.ie/docs/26_Water%20Matters%20-%20Have%20your%20say!%20Significant%20Water%20Management%20Issues/Shannon_WaterMatters_digest_submissions_responses.pdf Consultation Document: Timetable and Work Programme for making a River Basin Management Plan for the Shannon International River Basin District in Ireland. http://wfdireland.ie/docs/34_Public%20Participation/Timetable%20and%20Work%20Programme%20for%20Making%20RBMPs/shannontimetableandworkprogramme.pdf Consultation: The Characterisation and Analysis of Ireland’s river Basin Districts. http://www.wfdireland.ie/Documents/Characterisation%20Report/Ireland_Article_5_WFD.pdf The planned update process will adhere to the following timetable. December 2012 Publish timetable and work programme for second RBMPs Report progress in implementing the first RBMPs (Art. 15) December 2013 Review characterisation and impact assessments for RBDs and the economic analysis of water use Publish an interim overview of the significant water management issues to be addressed in the second RBMPs December 2014 Publish second draft RBMPs for consultation Updates to the river basin management plan will include the following: 1. A summary of any changes to the plan itself; 2. An assessment of the progress made towards the achievement of the environmental objectives, including a map showing summary monitoring results and an explanation for any environmental objectives which have not been reached; 3. A summary of, and an explanation for, any measures which had been planned but were not undertaken; 4. A summary of any additional interim measures adopted since the plan was published. The Register of Plans and Programmes document is a register of programmes and management plans for the River Basin Districts within the Republic of Ireland dealing with particular sub-basins, sectors, issues or water types, together with a summary of their contents. http://wfdireland.ie/docs/Register_Plans_Programmes.pdf IEGBNISH 1 Point Source 628 1.1 Point - UWWT_General 233 1.1.1 Point - UWWT_2000 194 1.1.2 Point - UWWT_10000 26 1.1.3 Point - UWWT_15000 4 1.1.4 Point - UWWT_150000 9 1.2 Point - Storm Overflows 90 1.3 Point - IPPC plants (EPRTR) 113 1.4 Point - Non IPPC 148 1.5 Point - Other 44 2.5 Diffuse - Releases from facilities not connected to sewerage network 170220 3.2 Abstraction - Public Water Supply 44 4.8 FlowMorph - Weirs 93 In the Shannon International River Basin District rivers are under threat from point source and diffuse source pollution as well as physical modifications. Most water abstractions are currently sustainable in the Shannon IRBD. Diffuse pollution and physical modifications are key problems for lakes. Point pollution and abstraction affect only a small proportion of lakes. Physical changes and pollution coming from the basin upstream threaten many of our estuarine and coastal waters. Amongst Point sources, diffuse sources and physical modifications, the following pressures are the most important: - Point Sources: Wastewater and industrail discharges, other point sources such as landfills, quarries, mines and contaminated lands. - Diffuse Sources: Agricultural activities, wastewater from unsewered properties, forestry activities, usage and discharge of dangerous substances. -Physical modifications for water supply, navigation, transport, flood protection, hydropower, aquaculture and land drainage. Other pressures include Aquaculture, Peat Extraction, Invasive Alien Species and Cruising and Boating. 3.10 Abstraction - Other 242 32786 m3 yearly 3.2 Abstraction - Public Water Supply 723 378820 m3 yearly The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has produced a position paper outlining a research programme to support the national case for exemptions and extended deadlines detailed in the River Basin Management Plan (Article (4)(a) of the WFD). This will co-ordinate and build on the knowledge derived from current EPA, COFORD and Department Agriculture Fisheries and Food funded Research and related to on-going monitoring programmes and develop appropriate mitigation and intervention measures where currently there are significant knowledge gaps on the measures required.Surveillance, operational and investigative monitoring will continue to be applied where the reason for status failures is unknown, to ascertain the magnitude and impacts of pollution and to establish the factors causing water bodies to fail to achieve environmental objectives. The relevant public authorities will continue to implement the investigative monitoring to confirm pressures and status failures. To improve our understanding of certain problems and to have a better chance of identifying solutions, we need to carry out more research at national level to: characterise effluents and leachates to give better data on the quantities of pollutants associated with these discharges in Ireland, establish natural background levels of metals in Irish waters so that the impact of human activities can be identified, establish links between ecology and morphology to increase confidence in status classification and in the effectiveness of morphology measures, establish links between ecology and abstractions including the flow requirements for fish populations. This would increase confidence in status classification and in the effectiveness of abstraction measures, investigate the ecological potential of heavily modified waters to establish mitigation measures to achieve good ecological potential, investigate chemical pollution to establish possible sources and appropriate measure, investigate the impact of existing unsewered properties. Improvements are required regarding the operational performance, maintenance and monitoring arrangements of septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems . The deterioration or loss of high quality and protected areas is often due to their sensitivity to land use changes in surrounding catchments. It will be necessary to undertake monitoring, assess conservation status and investigate pollution to determine what additional measures may be required in order to protect and restore these sensitive areas and in particular to reduce the impacts of development, forestry and farming. The Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) is an important component of the National Action Programme. Its main purpose is to provide a scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of the National Action Programme measures and where necessary to underpin the basis for any modifications of the measures that might be required to achieve WFD water quality objectives. The Nitrates Regulations represent a major step forward in protecting waters from agricultural sources of pollution and are expected to deliver significant improvement in water quality when fully effective. Evidence suggests, however, that they may not be sufficient in some areas of the country. The ACP is intended to identify challenges in implementation of the National Action Programme and will provide a basis for modifications to the programme and/or recommendations for new agricultural measures for the protection of water, where necessary. Research has highlighted the complex nature of the interaction between forestry activities and water. A number of forestry research projects are currently ongoing investigating practical mitigation measures to address the pressures that water bodies may experience from forestry operations. The EPA is also considering additional future research needs to investigate the effectiveness of pollution control measures to address problems of acidification, siltation and nutrient enrichment from fertilisation. River basin management provides an effective mechanism to prepare for and adapt to climate change by incorporating adaptation into the programme of measures. However, due to the high level of uncertainty in present climate predictions, a flexible approach is required. This river basin plan is adaptable to climate change in that the actions are ‘no regrets’i.e. worthwhile whatever the extent of future climate change. The WFD monitoring programme will collect information that improves understanding of climate change. Measures contained within this plan, and the monitoring programme, will need to take account of changes to temperature, to ground and surface water flows, and to sediment movement, and to allow for their link with changes to habitats and species, particularly habitat fragmentation and alien species. During the period of this plan, preparations will be made for more detailed climate-proofing of actions in the next plan. 1.1 Point - Contaminated Sites 1.2 Point - Waste Disposal Sites 1.5 Point - Discharges To Ground 2.1 Diffuse - Agriculture 2.2 Diffuse - Non-sewered Population 2.3 Diffuse - Urban Land Use 3.1 Abstraction - Agriculture 3.2 Abstraction - Public Water Supply 3.3 Abstraction - Industry (aggregated) 3.3.1 Abstraction - IPPC industries 3.3.2 Abstraction - Non-IPPC industries 5.1 Saltwater intrusion 1 Point Sources 2 Diffuse Sources 3 Abstraction 5 Saltwater Intrusion 146 171 3.2 Abstraction - Public Water Supply 95276 702 3.5 Abstraction - Other 46274 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has produced a position paper outlining a research programme to support the national case for exemptions and extended deadlines detailed in the River Basin Management Plan as provided for under Article (4)(a) of the Directive. This programme will co-ordinate and build on the knowledge derived from current EPA, COFORD (the National Council for Forest Research and Development) and Department Agriculture Fisheries and Food (DAFF) funded Research and related to on-going monitoring programmes and develop appropriate mitigation and intervention measures where currently there are significant knowledge gaps on the measures required. Further research may be undertaken in relation to the effects of mines and contaminated lands on groundwater. This research could lead to the introduction of additional measures in future RBMPs. Surveillance, operational and investigative monitoring will continue to be applied where the reason for status failures is unknown, to ascertain the magnitude and impacts of pollution and to establish the factors causing water bodies to fail to achieve environmental objectives. The relevant public authorities will continue to implement the investigative monitoring to confirm pressures and status failures. To improve our understanding of certain problems and to have a better chance of identifying solutions, we need to carry out more research at national level to: - characterise effluents and leachates to give better data on the quantities of pollutants associated with these discharges in Ireland - establish natural background levels of metals in Irish waters so that the impact of human activities can be identified - establish links between ecology and abstractions including the flow requirements for fish populations. Again, this would increase confidence in status classification and in the effectiveness of abstraction measures - investigate the ecological potential of heavily modified waters to establish mitigation measures to achieve good ecological potential -investigate chemical pollution to establish possible sources and appropriate measures - investigate the impact of existing unsewered properties, improvements are required regarding the operational performance, maintenance and monitoring arrangements of septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems The EPA are funding research to better improve our understanding of the critical source areas and contaminant movement along pathways from land surface to aquatic receptors. The project will further understanding of diffuse contaminant migration in Ireland and provide a more scientifically sound basis for focussing resources in RBDs to achieve good status in a cost effective manner. The Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) is an important component of the National Action Programme. Its main purpose is to provide a scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of the National Action Programme measures and where necessary to underpin the basis for any modifications of the measures that might be required to achieve Water Framework Directive water quality objectives. The Nitrates Regulations represent a major step forward in protecting waters from agricultural sources of pollution and are expected to deliver significant improvement in water quality when fully effective. Evidence suggests, however, that they may not be sufficient in some areas of the country. The ACP is intended to identify challenges in implementation of the National Action Programme and will provide a basis for modifications to the programme and/or recommendations for new agricultural measures for the protection of water, where necessary. (Further information is available at: http://www.teagasc.ie/agcatchments/). River basin management provides an effective mechanism to prepare for and adapt to climate change by incorporating adaptation into the programme of measures. However, due to the high level of uncertainty in present climate predictions, a flexible approach is required. This river basin plan is adaptable to climate change in that the actions are ‘no regrets’; that is, they are worthwhile whatever the extent of future climate change. The Water Framework Directive monitoring programme will collect information that improves understanding of climate change. Measures contained within this plan, and the monitoring programme, will need to take account of changes to temperature, to ground and surface water flows, and to sediment movement, and to allow for their link with changes to habitats and species, particularly habitat fragmentation and alien species. During the period of this plan, preparations will be made for more detailed climate-proofing of actions in the next plan. Y BATHING WATER BATHING WATERS DIRECTIVE (2006/7/EC) Bathing Water Quality Regulations (SI 79 of 2008) are applied to ensure that the quality of bathing water is maintained or improved to comply with bathing water standards in order to protect public health and the environment. Relevant Actions include: Local authorities will identify bathing waters. Monitor and classify bathing water quality status. Develop Bathing Waters Management Plans, including any necessary measures, to achieve bathing water quality standards. Disseminate bathing water quality information to the public. Local Authorities with Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will cooperate on cross border bathing waters including exchange of information and joint action. Y BIRDS BIRDS DIRECTIVE (79/409/EEC) European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations (SI 94 of 1997) as amended in 1998 and 2005 are applied to ensure the protection of habitats and species of European importance. Relevant Actions include: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and National Parks and Wildlife Services designate sites hosting habitats and species of European importance for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network as needed. Establish appropriate conservation measures, and management plans where necessary, to ensure achievement of favourable conservation status. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, National Parks and Wildlife Services and other relevant parties ensure that appropriate assessment is carried out in relation to activities which are likely to impact on designated sites and, where necessary, regulate activities. Introduce compensatory measures to ensure the coherence of the Natura 2000 network if damaging activities are allowed to go ahead. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government promote education on the need to protect species and habitats, encourage research necessary to achieve the aims of the regulations. Y DRINKING WATER DRINKING WATER DIRECTIVE (98/83/EC) European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations (SI 278 of 2007) are applied to ensure that drinking water intended for human consumption is wholesome and clean. Relevant Actions include: Local authorities monitor for compliance with drinking water quality standards. Maintain a register of water supplies. Immediately investigate non-compliances and inform consumers. Prepare Action Programmes where the drinking water quality standards are not met. Local authorities and the Health service Executive prohibit water supplies considered to pose a potential danger to human health. Environmental Protection Agency ensure compliance with the regulations and supervise group water schemes. Water Services Act (No 30 of 2007) is applied to facilitate the provision of safe and efficient water services and water service infrastructure for domestic and non-domestic requirements. Relevant Actions include: Local Authorities monitor public water supplies and monitor and supervise private drinking water supplies. Develop Water Services Strategic Plans, including measures, to meet the Act’s requirements including achievement of drinking water standards. Prohibit or restrict water supplies that pose a potential threat to human health or the environment. Inform consumers of non-compliances and ensure that remedial actions are taken where necessary. Prohibit or restrict certain water uses if there is a deficiency of supply. Implement a Rural Water Programme and a licensing system for the Group Water Scheme sector. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government supervise and monitor water services authorities and issue compliance notices in relation to non-compliances. Plan and supervise investment under the Water Services Investment Programme. Environmental Protection Agency supervise public water supplies. Y SEVESO MAJOR ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCY DIRECTIVE (96/82/EC) European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations (SI 74 of 2006) are applied to ensure that operators of establishments where dangerous substances are present take all necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of major accidents and to limit the consequences of accidents for people and the environment. Relevant Actions include: Operators must prepare on-site emergency plans identifying major hazards and specifying prevention and mitigation measures. Local Authorities must prepare off-site emergency plans for action outside the establishment in the event of a major accident. Department of enterprise, Trade and Employment require written notification of activities involving specified dangerous substances. Require operators to demonstrate safe operation and storage and to investigate their operations in the event of a major accident. Organise inspections and measures where necessary. Supply information on major accidents to public authorities. Planning and Development Act (No. 30 of 2000) as amended in 2002 ensures provision for the proper planning and development of urban and rural areas. Local Authorities ensure that adequate controls are in place for relevant new developments. Y ENV IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT DIRECTIVE (85/337/EEC) Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (SI 349 of 1989) as amended from 1994 to 2006 require that certain developments be assessed for likely environmental effects before planning permission is granted. Relevant Actions include: Planning Authorities require certain developments, by either the private or the public sector, to prepare Environmental Impact Assessments for consideration before planning permission is granted (taking account of objectives established in river basin management plans) and make them available to the public. Notify authorities in Northern Ireland of any planning application which is likely to have significant effects on the environment in Northern Ireland. Y SEWAGE SLUDGE SEWAGE SLUDGE DIRECTIVE (86/278/EEC) Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture Regulations (SI 148 of 1998) as amended in 2001 require that sewage sludge is used in accordance with a nutrient management plan. Relevant Actions include: Local Authorities supervise the supply and use of sewage sludge in agriculture and ensure that it is used in accordance with nutrient management plans. Maintain a register of sludge biosolids movements and use and make it available to the public. Ensure adherence to the code of practice in relation to the use of biosolids in agriculture. Waste Management Act (No. 10 of 1996) applied to regulate waste management in order to protect human health and the environment. Local Authorities prepare sludge management plans for the management of wastewater sludge (taking account of WFD objectives). Require measures to be taken in relation to the holding, recovery or disposal of waste in order to prevent or limit environmental pollution, where necessary. Require land owners to prepare nutrient management plans where necessary. Y URBAN WASTE WATER URBAN WASTEWATER TREATMENT DIRECTIVE (91/271/EEC) Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations (SI 254 of 2001) as amended in 2004 and 2010 are applied to ensure that the environment is not adversely affected by the disposal of inadequately treated urban waste water through the provision of urban wastewater collection systems and treatment plants. Relevant Actions include: Local Authorities and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government design, construct, operate, maintain and monitor treatment plants to achieve requirements in relation to treatment standards, nutrient sensitive areas and WFD objectives. Choose discharge points so as to minimise impact on the environment. Ensure that sewage sludge can be disposed of safely. Financial investments can be made under the Water Services Investment Programme. Water Services Act (No 30 of 2007) was applied to facilitate the provision of safe and efficient water services and water service infrastructure for domestic and non-domestic requirements. Local Authorities plan and supervise provision of wastewater services under the Water Services Investment Programme. Prepare and implement Water Services Strategic Plans to support sustainable provision of wastewater services. Y PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS DIRECTIVE (91/414/EEC) Authorisation, Placing on the Market, Use & Control of Plant Protection Products Regulations (SI 83 of 2003) as amended from 2003 to 2009 are applied to authorise plant protection product for use or placing on the market to ensure that no harmful effects arise for human and animal health and that there is no unacceptable impact on the environment. Relevant Actions include: Relevant persons must notify the Department of the Environment, heritage and Local Government of all new information on potentially dangerous effects of authorised plant protection products on the environment or groundwater. The conditions of authorisation are selected to minimise risks for consumers, workers and the environment. The use of a plant protection product in a manner other than specified on its approved label is illegal. Y NITRATES NITRATES DIRECTIVE (91/676/EEC) Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations (SI 101 of 2009) are applied to provide statutory support for good agricultural practice to protect waters against pollution from agricultural sources and give further effect to several EU Directives including the Nitrates Directive, dangerous substances in water, waste management, protection of groundwater, public participation in policy development and water policy (the Water Framework Directive). Relevant Actions include: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government along with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food review the nitrates National Action Programme to determine its effectiveness, including Agricultural Catchment Programme studies, in consultation with all interested parties. Ensure implementation of the National Action Programme. Environmental Protection Agency monitor as necessary for the purposes of the Regulations. Provide recommendations and direction to local authorities with respect to monitoring, inspections and measures. Local Authorities along with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food carry out monitoring to establish the extent of pollution in surface and groundwaters attributable to agriculture and determine trends in the occurrence and extent of such pollution. Carry out farm inspections (to coordinate with other farm inspection programmes). Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food along with National Parks and Wildlife Services will consider increasing farm inspections in karst areas with turloughs and piloting of environmentally friendly farming scheme Map turloughs' zones of contribution. Y HABITATS DIRECTIVE (92/43/EEC) European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations (SI 94 of 1997) as amended in 1998 and 2005 are applied to ensure the protection of habitats and species of European importance.Relevant Actions include: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) and National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) designate sites hosting habitats and species of European importance for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network as needed. Establish appropriate conservation measures, and management plans where necessary, to ensure achievement of favourable conservation status. DEHLG, NPWS and other relevant parties ensure that appropriate assessment is carried out in relation to activities which are likely to impact on designated sites and, where necessary, regulate activities. Introduce compensatory measures to ensure the coherence of the Natura 2000 network if damaging activities are allowed to go ahead. DEHLG promote education on the need to protect species and habitats, encourage research necessary to achieve the aims of the regulations. Environmental Objectives (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations (SI 296 of 2009) are applied to set legally binding objectives for water quality in rivers, or parts of rivers, inhabited by freshwater pearl mussels and designated as Special Area of Conservation (SAC) so as to protect this species. The regulations also require steps to be taken to attain those objectives. Relevant Actions include: NPWS establish environmental quality objectives. Undertake monitoring, assess conservation status and investigate pollution. Develop management plans (sub-basin plans of River Basin Management Plans), including any necessary measures, to ensure achievement of environmental quality objectives. Public authorities examine discharge authorisations to designated areas and establish if they require review. DEHLG monitor the implementation of the sub-basin management plans and ensure their implementation. Y IPPC INTEGRATED POLLUTION PREVENTION CONTROL DIRECTIVE (2008/1/EC) Environmental Protection Agency Acts (No 7 of 1992; No 27 of 2003) and Environmental Protection Agency (Licensing) Regulations (SI 85 of 1994) as amended in 1995, 1996, 2004 and 2008 are applied to prevent or reduce emissions to water, land and air, to reduce waste and to use energy and resources efficiently. Relevant Actions include: Environmental Protection Agency ensure that operators of certain industrial and agricultural installations obtain IPPC licenses with conditions and ELVs based on BAT and relevant national and European legislation. Enforce licence conditions including monitoring. Maintain a register of licences and make available to the Commission and to the public. Undertake reviews of existing licences as required (taking account of WFD and Environmental Quality Objectives). Ensure cross border consultation where necessary. The operator needs to obtain the consent of sanitary authorities for discharges to sewers. Y National Water Pricing Policy: to promote the conservation and efficient use of water resources in accordance with the Water Framework Directive Relevant actions include: Develop and implement strategy to achieve water metering of domestic users connected to public water supplies. Introduce legislation to allow local authorities to charge domestic users for water services. Develop charging methodology for water services and introduce water charges for domestic users. Specific information on relevant actions along with details of the leading authority in the implementation of these actions is available in Appendix 5 of the RBMP. Y National Water Services Act (No. 30 of 2007): to facilitate the provision of safe and efficient water services and water service infrastructure for domestic and non-domestic requirements. Relevant actions include: Develop and implement strategy to achieve water metering of domestic users connected to public water supplies. Facilitate the provision of efficient water services. Rehabilitate and repair water works. Ensure that water distribution systems are in a fit state and free from leaks. National Water Conservation (Leakage Reduction) Programme: to establish water conservation and leakage control strategies. Relevant actions include: Establish and maintain GIS-based water management systems. Establish an ongoing leakage control programme. Rehabilitate and replace defective water supply networks. Develop water conservation public awareness campaigns. Provide project-specific funding designed to meet specific leakage reduction targets. Specific information on relevant actions along with details of the leading authority in the implementation of these actions is available in Appendix 5 of the RBMP. Y National Groundwater Protection Schemes. Control the location and nature of developments and activities in accordance with groundwater protection schemes; Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations (SI 101 of 2009). Exclude chemical and organic fertilisers and farm manures from within specified distances of wells, boreholes, springs or abstractions points. Planning and Development Act (No. 30 of 2000) provides for the proper planning and development of urban and rural areas. Water Policy Regulations (SI 722 of 2003) provide a statutory basis for the provisions of the WFD including the establishment and maintenance of a Register of Protected Areas. Identify and protect all surface and groundwater bodies that are used, or may be used in the future, as sources of drinking water for more than 50 people or where the rate of abstraction is > 10m3 per day. Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations (SI 9 of 2010) establish legally binding quality objectives for all bodies of groundwater and environmental quality standards for pollutants. Public authorities are required to examine and review existing discharge authorisations to ensure that the emission limits laid down in authorisations support compliance with the new water quality objectives/standards. Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations (SI 272 of 2009) establish legally binding objectives for all surface waters. Achieve compliance with drinking water protected area objectives Water Services Act (No 30 of 2007) to facilitate the provision of safe and efficient water services and water service infrastructure for domestic/non-domestic requirements. Monitor public and private drinking water supplies. Develop Water Services Strategic Plans to meet the Act’s requirements including achievement of drinking water standards. Prohibit or restrict certain water uses if there is a deficiency of supply. Implement a Rural Water Programme and a licensing system for the Group Water Scheme sector. Specific information on relevant actions along with details of the leading authority in the implementation of these actions is available in Appendix 5 of the RBMP. Consideration is also being given to the designation of safeguard zones around current and future abstractions under the Drinking Water Regulations. Y National Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (SI 349 of 1989) as amended from 1994 to 2006: require that certain developments be assessed for likely environmental effects before planning permission can be granted. Relevant actions include: Undertake environmental impact assessment for drilling for water supplies above specified thresholds, groundwater abstraction and artificial groundwater recharge schemes above specified thresholds and works for the transfer of water resources between river basins above specified thresholds. Water Pollution Act (No 1 of 1977) as amended in 1990: to provide for the control of water pollution thereby protecting possible drinking water sources Relevant actions include: Maintain registers of abstractions and make available to the public. Water Supplies Act (SI 1 of 1942): require that provisional orders be obtained by local authorities abstracting drinking water supplies. Relevant actions include: Local authorities must adhere to conditions set down in provisional orders when abstracting drinking water from a water source. Planning and Development Act (No. 30 of 2000) as amended in 2002: to provide for the proper planning and development of urban and rural areas. Relevant actions include: Local authorities must obtain planning permission for groundwater abstractions for public drinking water supplies. Specific information on relevant actions along with details of the leading authority in the implementation of these actions is available in Appendix 5 of the RBMP. Y National The authorisation and requirements for discharges to groundwater are controlled through the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Environmental Protection Agency and through legislative instruments including: •EPA (Licensing) Regulations, 1994 & 2004 •EPA Waste (Licensing) Regulations, 2004 •Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977 (Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. 258 of 1998) •Planning and Development Regulations 2001 - 2007 •Planning Development Acts 2000 - 2006 •Protection of Groundwater Regulations (S.I. 41 of 1999) •Water Services Act 2007 Y National Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations (SI 272 of 2009): Establishment of legally binding quality objectives for surface waters and Environmental Quality Standards for pollutants. Relevant actions include: Review of existing discharges to ensure authorised emission limits are compliant with new water quality objectives/standards (Public Authorities to lead). Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations (SI 9 of 2010): Establishment of legally binding quality objectives for groundwaters and Environmental Quality Standards for pollutants. Relevant actions include: Review of existing discharges to ensure authorised emission limits are compliant with new water quality objectives/stnadards (Public Authorities to lead). Water Pollution Act (No 1 of 1977) as amended in 1990 and Water Pollution Regulations (SI 108 of 1978) as amended in 1992 and 1996: Relevant actions include: prosecution for water pollution; pollution control conditions in licensing; issue of notices specifying measures to prevent water pollution (Local Authorities, Fisheries Boards and NPWS to lead). Wastewater Discharge Authorisation Regulations (SI 684 of 2007): to provide for the authorisation by the EPA of urban waste water discharges by local authorities (EPA to lead). Relevant actions include: Authorise Local Authority WWTPs, review and enforce licensing conditions (EPA to lead) Water Services Act (No 30 of 2007): to facilitate the provision of safe and efficient water services and water service infrastructure for domestic and non-domestic requirements Relevant actions include: Prepare and implement Water Services Strategic Plans (Local Authorities to lead). Minerals Development Act (No 31 of 1940) as amended from 1960 to 1999: to provide mineral resources while managing potential impact on the water environment Energy Act (No. 40 of 2006):to regulate the energy industry whilst managing potential impact on the water environment Waste Management Act (No 10 of 1996) as amended in 2001: to regulate waste management in order to protect human health and the environment. European Communities (Quality of Shellfish Waters) Regulations (SI 268 of 2006) as amended in 2009: protect/improve shellfish waters. Relevant Actions include: Develop and implement Shellfish Pollution Reduction Programmes, including any necessary measures, to achieve shellfish water quality standards European Communities (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations (SI 296 of 2009): achieving the water quality objectives established for designated sites for the protection of freshwater pearl mussel populations. Specific information on relevant actions along with details of the leading authority in the implementation of these actions is available in Appendix 5 of the RBMP. Y National Control of diffuse pollution is implemented through the Local Authorities, EPA, DETE, DCENR, Fisheries Board, NPWS and relevant persons. Key measures include: Water Pollution Act (No 1 of 1977) as amended in 1990 and Water Pollution Regulations (SI 108 of 1978) as amended in 1992 and 1996: prosecution for water pollution; pollution control conditions in licensing; issue of notices specifying measures to prevent water pollution Relevant Actions include: Serve notices or directions on persons requiring measures to be taken in order to prevent or control pollution of waters, where necessary. Planning and Development Act (No 30 of 2000) as amended in 2002 provides for the proper planning and development of urban and rural areas. Relevant Actions include: Local Authorities can grant permission for on-site waste water treatment system subject to site suitability assessment. EPA Code of Practice for Wastewater Treatment Systems serving Single Houses (2009) - provides guidance on the provision of wastewater treatment and disposal systems for new single houses. Relevant Actions include: Apply EPA code of practice Forestry Act (No 13 of 1946) as amended in 1976 and 1988 and Aerial Fertilisation Regulations (SI 592 of 2006) as amended in 2007 and codes of practice, guidance documents administered through a grant support system: to provide for the development and regulation of forestry. Relevant Actions include: License forestry activity and where necessary, attach additional conditions in sensitive areas. Strategic Plan for the Development of Forestry: to provide for the development and regulation of forestry Relevant Actions include: ensure the implementation of the National Forestry Standard and adherence to the code of best forest practice. Environmental Objectives (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations (SI 296 of 2009) - For the purpose of achieving the water quality objectives established for designated sites for the protection of freshwater pearl mussel populations. Relevant Actions include: Develop sub basin plans, including any necessary measures, to ensure acheivement of these objectives. Specific information on relevant actions along with details of the leading authority in the implementation of these actions is available in Appendix 5 of the RBMP. Y National The Planning and Development Act (No 30 of 2000) as amended in 2002; Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2007; Foreshore Act 1933; Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (SI 349 of 1989) as amended from 1994 to 2006 provide for the proper planning and development of urban and rural areas. The legislation requires that certain developments be assessed for likely environmental effects before planning permission is granted. Relevant actions include: Consider the environmental impacts of developments as part of the planning process. Local Authorities to lead. Specific information on relevant actions along with details of the leading authority in the implementation of these actions is available in Appendix 5 of the RBMP. Y National Environmental Objectives (Groundwater) Regulations (SI 9 of 2010): to provide for specifying the criteria for classifying groundwater status and identifying significant increasing pollution trends; provide for a proportionate risk–based response to groundwater protection. Relevant actions include: Review all existing discharge authorisations to take into account the new quality standards. Wastewater Discharge Authorisation Regulations (SI 684 of 2007): Where a local authority proposes to discharge urban waste water effluent to groundwater an authorization by the Environmental Protection Agency is required. Relevant actions include: Authorisation of Local Authority WWTPs effluent discharges discharging to groundwater. Water Pollution Act (No 1 of 1977) as amended in 1990: to provide for the control of water pollution. Relevant actions include: License discharges to groundwaters from small scale industrial and commercial sources. Review licenses at intervals of not less than 3 years. Keep registers of discharge licenses and make them available to the public. Specific information on relevant actions along with details of the leading authority in the implementation of these actions is available in Appendix 5 of the RBMP. Y National Environmental Objectives (Surface Water) Regulations (SI 272 of 2009):to provide for quality objectives for surface waters, EQSs for pollutants, review of discharge authorisations, classification of surface waters, inventories of priority substances. Relevant actions include: Prepare a plan for the progressive reduction of pollution by priority substances and the ceasing or phasing out of emissions, discharges and losses of priority hazardous substances. Establish an inventory of emissions discharges and losses of priority substances, priority hazardous substances and other pollutants and publish a summary of the inventory. Chemicals Act (No. 13 of 2008): to provide for the regulation of certain dangerous chemicals. Relevant actions include: Administration and enforcement of the European Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals regulations (REACH). Identify and manage risks linked to the chemicals manufactured or imported and registration of chemicals produced or imported in quantities greater than 1 tonne. European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register Regulations (SI 123 of 2007): the prevention and reduction of pollution by the establishment of a publicly accessible pollutant release and transfer register. Relevant actions include: Submit required data in relation to releases of pollutants and off-site transfers of pollutants and waste. Provide for electronic collection, assessment of data and report data to the EU Commission in relation to releases of pollutants and off-site transfers of pollutants and waste. Enforce regulations. Specific information on relevant actions along with details of the leading authority in the implementation of these actions is available in Appendix 5 of the RBMP. Y National Framework of Major Emergency Management: framework for emergency preparedness and response capability identifying hazards and risk to society, the economy, but also the environment including our natural water resource. Relevant actions include: Prepare Major Emergency Plans with supporting plans, procedures and arrangements. Initiate a major emergency development programme for the implementation of the Major Emergency Plans. Co-ordinate the inter-agency aspects of major emergency preparedness and management in assigned regions. Ensure and promote implementation of the Framework. Specific information on relevant actions along with details of the leading authority in the implementation of these actions is available in Appendix 5 of the RBMP. IEGBNISH 1 Point Source 16.41 30.82 52.76 0 N RW 1 Point Source A-MIR1 A-MIR2 A-MIR3 A-MIR4 A-MIR5 A-MIR6 A-MIR7 A-MIR8 A-MIR9 A-MIR10 A-MIR11 BM-UWWTD RW 1 Point Source A-MIR9 A-MIR11 A-DS1 A-DS2 BM-IPPC RW 1 Point Source A-DS1 A-DS2 A-RES2 A-MCL1 OM-PointSourceDischarges RW 1 Point Source A-FPM1 BM-Habitats LW 1 Point Source A-MIR1 A-MIR2 A-MIR3 A-MIR4 A-MIR5 A-MIR6 A-MIR7 A-MIR8 A-MIR9 A-MIR10 A-MIR11 BM-UWWTD LW 1 Point Source A-DS1 A-DS2 A-RES2 A-MCL1 OM-PointSourceDischarges LW 1 Point Source A-DS1 A-DS2 A-RES2 OM-PrioritySubstances RW 1 Point Source A-DS1 A-DS2 A-RES2 OM-PrioritySubstances LW 1 Point Source A-MIR9 A-MIR11 A-DS1 A-DS2 BM-IPPC TW 1 Point Source A-MIR1 A-MIR2 A-MIR3 A-MIR4 A-MIR5 A-MIR6 A-MIR7 A-MIR8 A-MIR9 A-MIR10 A-MIR11 BM-UWWTD TW 1 Point Source A-DS1 A-DS2 A-RES2 OM-PointSourceDischarges TW 1 Point Source A-MIR9 A-MIR11 A-RES2 A-ADS1 A-ADS2 BM-IPPC TW 1 Point Source A-ADS1 A-ADS2 A-AES2 OM-PrioritySubstances CW 1 Point Source A-MIR1 A-MIR2 A-MIR3 A-MIR4 A-MIR5 A-MIR6 A-MIR7 A-MIR8 A-MIR9 A-MIR10 A-MIR11 BM-UWWTD CW 1 Point Source A-ADS1 A-ADS2 A-RES2 OM-PointSourceDischarges CW 1 Point Source A-ADS1 A-ADS2 OM-PrioritySubstances CW 1 Point Source A-ADS1 A-ADS1 BM-IPPC 2 Diffuse Source 42.67 86.94 52.91 0 N RW 2 Diffuse Source BM-Nitrates RW 2 Diffuse Source A-AGR1 A-AGR2 OM-PollutantsDiffuse RW 2 Diffuse Source A-OSWWTS1 A-OSWWTS2 A-OSWWTS3 A-OSWWTS4 A-OSWWTS5 A-OSWWTS6 A-OSWWTS7 A-OSWWTS8 A-OSWWTS9 A-FOR1 A-FOR2 A-FOR3 A-FOR4 A-FOR5 A-FOR6 A-FOR7 A-FOR8 A-FOR9 A-FOR10 A-FOR11 A-FOR12 A-FOR13 A-FOR14 A-FOR15 A-FOR16 A-FOR17 A-FOR18 A-FOR19 A-FOR20 A-FOR21 A-FOR22 A-FOR23 A-FOR24 A-FOR25 BM-Habitats LW 2 Diffuse Source A-FPM1 BM-Nitrates LW 2 Diffuse Source A-AGR1 A-AGR2 OM-PollutantsDiffuse LW 2 Diffuse Source A-OSWWTS1 A-OSWWTS2 A-OSWWTS3 A-OSWWTS4 A-OSWWTS5 A-OSWWTS6 A-OSWWTS7 A-OSWWTS8 A-OSWWTS9 A-FOR1 A-FOR2 A-FOR3 A-FOR4 A-FOR5 A-FOR6 A-FOR7 A-FOR8 A-FOR9 A-FOR10 A-FOR11 A-FOR12 A-FOR13 A-FOR14 A-FOR15 A-FOR16 A-FOR17 A-FOR18 A-FOR19 A-FOR20 A-FOR21 A-FOR22 A-FOR23 A-FOR24 A-FOR25 BM-Drinking RW 2 Diffuse Source A-OSWWTS1 A-OSWWTS2 A-OSWWTS3 A-OSWWTS4 A-OSWWTS5 A-OSWWTS6 A-OSWWTS7 A-OSWWTS8 A-OSWWTS9 BM-Drinking TW 2 Diffuse Source A-OSWWTS1 A-OSWWTS2 A-OSWWTS4 A-OSWWTS5 A-OSWWTS6 A-OSWWTS7 A-OSWWTS8 A-OSWWTS9 A-OSWWTS3 OM-PollutantsDiffuse CW 2 Diffuse Source A-RES2 A-LFFI1 A-LFFI2 OM-PollutantsDiffuse 3 Water Abstraction 3.32 1.23 1.21 0 N RW 3 Water Abstraction A-RES2 A-LFFI1 A-LFFI2 BM-Drinking RW 3 Water Abstraction OM-ProtectAbstraction RW 3 Water Abstraction A-ABS1 A-ABS2 A-ABS3 A-ABS4 OM-ControlAbstraction RW 3 Water Abstraction A-ABS1 A-ABS2 A-ABS3 A-ABS4 OM-EfficientWaterUse LW 3 Water Abstraction A-ABS1 A-ABS2 A-ABS3 A-ABS4 BM-Drinking LW 3 Water Abstraction A-ABS1 A-ABS2 A-ABS3 A-ABS4 OM-ProtectAbstraction LW 3 Water Abstraction A-ABS1 A-ABS2 A-ABS3 A-ABS4 OM-ControlAbstraction LW 3 Water Abstraction A-ABS1 A-ABS2 A-ABS3 A-ABS4 OM-EfficientWaterUse RW 3 Water Abstraction A-LFFI3 A-LFFI4 BM-Habitats 4 Water flow regulations and morphological alterations of surface water 0.81 29.8 0 0 N RW 4 Water flow regulations and morphological alterations of surface water A-ABS1 A-ABS2 A-ABS3 A-ABS4 BM-Habitats RW 4 Water flow regulations and morphological alterations of surface water A-ABS1 A-ABS2 A-ABS3 OM-HydromorphologicalPressures LW 4 Water flow regulations and morphological alterations of surface water A-PM4 A-PM7 A-FPM1 OM-HydromorphologicalPressures 5 River management 25.73 0 0 0 N RW 5 River management A-PM1 A-PM2 A-PM3 A-PM7 A-PM4 OM-HydromorphologicalPressures RW 5 River management A-PM1 A-PM2 A-PM3 BM-Habitats RW 5 River management A-PM1 A-PM2 A-PM3 A-PM5 A-PM7 BM-Birds 6 Transitional and coastal water management 0 0 2.8 0 N 7 Other morphological alterations 0 0 0 0 N 8 Other Pressures 31.29 0 0 0 N RW 8 Other Pressures A-PM1 A-PM2 A-PM3 A-PM5 A-PM7 A-FPM1 OM-PointSourceDischarges RW 8 Other Pressures A-PM1 A-PM2 A-PM3 A-PM5 BM-Habitats RW 8 Other Pressures A-LFFI5 BM-Birds LW 8 Other Pressures A-LFFI4 A-LFFI5 A-FPM1 BM-Habitats LW 8 Other Pressures A-LFFI3 BM-Birds TW 8 Other Pressures A-LFFI4 A-LFFI3 A-LFFI4 BM-Habitats TW 8 Other Pressures A-LFFI3 A-LFFI4 BM-Birds CW 8 Other Pressures A-LFFI3 A-LFFI4 BM-Habitats CW 8 Other Pressures A-LFFI3 A-LFFI4 BM-Birds RW 8 Other Pressures A-LFFI3 A-LFFI4 OM-PollutantsDiffuse LW 8 Other Pressures OM-PollutantsDiffuse A-ABS1 RESEARCH Y Abstraction Surveys and information management Additional data and monitoring is needed to improve the understanding of the effects of abstractions on surface waters and groundwaters, including information on: - daily abstracted volumes - groundwater level monitoring near sensitive receptors; - environmental supporting conditions of wetlands; - additional hydrometric stations in small (less than 20 km2) catchments - daily water levels in lakes with existing abstractions suspected as causing an impact or for future abstractions above a certain threshold - effects of abstractions on lake ecology - determination of instream flow needs for rivers outside the central plain region (by modelling with the PHABSIM program). National A-ABS2 OTHER Y Reducing abstraction pressures Reducing water demand through measures such as: - implementing water conservation programmes, - supporting voluntary initiatives such as water conservation and rainwater harvesting schemes, - reducing leakage and unaccounted for water in distribution systems, - implementing more small schemes that distribute the demand on the resource, - establishing water metering and water charging programmes for residential users, - imposing restrictions on development if an abstraction is at its capacity increasing the water available in the catchment through: - promoting reduction and/or infiltration of runoff (for example sustainable drainage schemes—SuDS) - reuse of grey water or treated wastewater effluent. National A-ABS3 ABSTRACTION Y Abstraction Remediation schemes Remediation schemes in priority areas including considering reducing current abstractions by; altered abstraction timing, conjunctive use, additional storage Water Body A-ABS4 ABSTRACTION Y Abstraction Relocation Considering alternative sources Water Body A-AGR1 ABSTRACTION Y Farm inspections in Karst Areas Consider increasing farm inspections in karst areas with turloughs and piloting of environmentally friendly farming scheme Other Karst Areas A-AGR2 ABSTRACTION Y Turloughs Map turloughs' zones of contribution Other Karst Areas A-DS1 EMISSION Y Dangerous Substances Training Technical guidance and training are currently being developed through the Environmental Services National Training Group to assist local authorities in the review and revision of discharge authorisations National A-DS2 RESEARCH Y Dangerous Substances Licence Review Review of wastewater and industrial licenses in accordance with recently introduced environmental objectives for surface waters. National A-EDU1 LEGAL Y Education Public awareness is a cornerstone of the Water Framework Directive. Raising general awareness and providing information about specific waters issues and their solutions at national level will help with water management. They will encourage people to participate in reduction programmes and will garner support for implementing the measures in the plan. A national campaign is needed, supported by specific targeted messages for example on clearer product labelling. This complements the promotion of low phosphorus products (which currently operates in Ireland by national voluntary agreement) and is under consideration by the Commission as a Europe wide initiative. National A-FOR1 PRACTICE Y Forestry Research Projects Research has highlighted the complex nature of the interaction between forest, forestry activities and water. A number of forestry research projects are currently ongoing investigating practical mitigation measures to address the pressures that water bodies may experience from forests and forestry operations. The Environmental Protection Agency is also considering additional future research needs to investigate the effectiveness of pollution control measures to address problems of acidification, siltation and nutrient enrichment from fertilisation. National A-FOR10 PRACTICE Y Eutrophication and Sedimentation - Forest Structure Establish new forest structures on older plantation sites (including riparian zones, drainage layouts, species mix, open areas) National A-FOR11 NEGOTIATED Y Forestry - Hydromorphology Audit existing drainage networks in forest catchments National A-FOR12 PRACTICE Y Forestry - Pesticide Use Reduction Reduce pesticide usage National A-FOR13 PRACTICE Y Forestry - Pesticide Use Pre-treatment Pre-dip trees in nurseries prior to planting out National A-FOR14 EMISSION Y Forestry - Pesticide Use Register Maintain registers of pesticide use National A-FOR15 EMISSION Y Acidification - Restructure Restructure existing forests to include open space and structural diversity through age classes and species mix, including broadleaves Water Body A-FOR16 EMISSION Y Acidification - basic material Mitigate acid impacts symptomatically using basic material (e.g. limestone or sand liming) Water Body A-FOR17 PRACTICE Y Acidification - catchment drainage Manage catchment drainage to increase residence times and soil wetting, including no drainage installation in some areas Water Body A-FOR18 OTHER Y Acidification - stream production Implement measures to increase stream production – for example with native woodland in riparian zones Water Body A-FOR19 OTHER Y Eutrophication - Riparian zone management Establish riparian zone management prior to clearfelling Water Body A-FOR2 CONSTRUCTION Y Forestry Codes of Practice, guidelines and standards All forestry operations, whether licensed, approved or exempt must be carried out in accordance with any guidelines and regulations issued by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Non-adherence to relevant guidelines, code of practice, standards, conditions or regulations issued by the Minister will be an offence. National A-FOR20 LEGAL Y Eutrophication and Sedimentation - sediment control Enhance sediment control Water Body A-FOR21 OTHER Y Eutrophication - catchment drainage Manage catchment drainage to increase residence times and soil wetting, including no drainage in some locations Water Body A-FOR22 EFFICIENCY Y Sedimentation - Riparian zone management Establish riparian zone management prior to clearfelling Water Body A-FOR23 EFFICIENCY Y Sedimentation - catchment drainage Manage catchment drainage to increase residence times and soil wetting, including no drainage in some locations Water Body A-FOR24 EDUCATIONAL Y Hydromorphology - Drainage Netwrok Enhance drainage network management – minimise drainage in peat soils National A-FOR25 RESEARCH Y Pesticide Use - biological control Develop biological control methods National A-FOR3 PRACTICE Y Forestry Guidelines for Freshwater Pearl Mussel Populations In March 2008 the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government published guidelines for the protection of Natura 2000 sites designated for the protection Freshwater Pearl Mussel populations from forestry activities. The guidelines are intended to ensure that forest operations such as afforestation, forest road construction, harvesting and forest planning are compatible with the protection of this particularly sensitive species. The guidelines describe a range of measures intended to reduce any potential negative impacts on the species arising from forest operations. They complement all other Forest Service Guidelines, the Code of Best Forest Practice and other regulations. The implementation of the guidelines is mandatory Sub-unit A-FOR4 PRACTICE Y Forestry Management Instruments Ensure regulations and guidance are cross referenced and revised to incorporate proposed measures National A-FOR5 EFFICIENCY Y Acidification - acid sensitive catchments Avoid or limit (to below critical thresholds) afforestation on 1st and 2nd order stream catchments in acid sensitive catchments Sub-unit A-FOR6 OTHER Y Acidification Protocol Revise the Acidification Protocol to ensure actual minimum alkalinities are detected (i.e. ensure sampling under high flow conditions) and revise boundary conditions for afforestation in acid sensitive areas. National A-FOR7 PRACTICE Y Eutrophication and Sedimentation - Peat Sites Avoid or limit forest cover on peat sites National A-FOR8 PRACTICE Y Eutrophication and Sedimentation - tree species mix Change the tree species mix (e.g. broadleaves) on replanting National A-FOR9 PRACTICE Y Eutrophication and Sedimentation - Felling Limiting felling coup size National A-FPM1 PRACTICE Y Freshwater pearl mussel additional measures National list of measures to address all pressures impacting on the freshwater pearl mussel and its habitat in the 27 SAC catchments. These measures will only be implemented if and where required, subject to resource availability, on a prioritized basis and at those sites where investigations and risk assessment show that specific pressures need to be remediated to restore pearl mussels to favourable conservation status Sub-unit A-LFFI1 PRACTICE Y Climate Change All measures have been assessed to ensure that the plan adequately considers the potential impacts of climatic change. During the period of this plan, preparations will be made for more detailed climate-proofing of actions in the next plan National A-LFFI2 ADMIN N Aquaculture Strengthen regulation (applying appropriate assessment and developing biodiversity approaches at EU level). Propose national standards and implement shellfish pollution reduction plans. A multi-department Marine Coordination Group has been established Other Shellfish Designated Areas A-LFFI3 NEGOTIATED Y Invasive alien species Support measures being developed by the national alien species study (conducted by QUERCUS) and local investigations at district level Other National and RBD A-LFFI4 PRACTICE Y Protecting high quality areas Developing national guidance on favourable conservation status, introducing a web-based register of designated sites and supporting voluntary initiatives (nature conservation projects) at District level National A-LFFI5 ADMIN N Cruising and boating enforce pump-out control and speed restrictions at district level RBD A-LFFI6 PRACTICE Y Peat extraction Enforcing licensing controls and rehabilitation plans at District level RBD A-LFFI7 PRACTICE Y Shared waters Coordination with Northern Ireland authorities and participation groups RBD A-MCL1 PRACTICE Y Mines, Quarries and Contaminated Land Site-specific remediation schemes or closure plans are required to restore status of impacted water bodies. Measures to remediate these existing sites typically include pollution containment measures and monitoring requirements RBD A-MIR1 PRACTICE Y WWTP - Capital Works Agglomerations with treatment plants requiring identifiable Capital Works Water Body A-MIR10 PRACTICE Y Install ultra-violet or similar type treatment Install ultra-violet or similar type treatment Water Body A-MIR11 PRACTICE Y Relocate the point of discharge Relocate the point of discharge Water Body A-MIR2 PRACTICE Y WWTP - Investigation prior to capital works Agglomerations with treatment plants requiring further investigation prior to Capital Works Water Body A-MIR3 PRACTICE Y WWTP - Shellfish PRP Agglomerations requiring the implementation of actions identified in Pollution Reduction Plans for Shellfish Waters designated under the Shellfish Water Regulations Water Body A-MIR4 PRACTICE Y WWTP - Performance Management System Agglomerations with treatment plants requiring improved operational performance through the implementation of Performance Management Systems Water Body A-MIR5 PRACTICE Y WWTP - CSOs Agglomerations requiring investigation of Combined Storm Overflows (CSOs) Water Body A-MIR6 PRACTICE Y WWTP - Management of Development Agglomerations where existing waste water treatment capacity is currently adequate but predicted loadings (based on assumed 3% growth in load per annum) would result in overloading requiring management of development Water Body A-MIR7 EDUCATIONAL N Measures for improved management - Optimise treatment plant performance by the implementation of a performance management system supported by the use of decision making tools. - keep register of plant capacity and update annually; - install facilities to monitor influent loads and effluent discharges in accordance with EPA guidelines and best practice; - put auditable procedures in place to monitor compliance of licensed discharges; - implement training procedures for staff involved with licensing of discharges; - monitor receiving water quality upstream and downstream of the point of discharge National A-MIR8 EMISSION Y Measures intended to reduce loading to the treatment plant - Limit or cease the direct importation of polluting matter (for example liquid wastes, landfill leachate, sludges). - Investigate the extent of use and impact of under-sink food waste disintegrators and take appropriate actions. - Investigate fats/oils/grease influent concentrations and take actions to reduce FOG entering the collection system. National A-MIR9 RESEARCH Y Stricter emission controls Apply a higher standard of treatment (stricter emission controls) where necessary to achieve water quality objectives where this would not otherwise be required under the urban wastewater treatment regulations. Water Body A-OSWWTS1 PRACTICE Y Inspect existing systems in prioritised locations - Use the GIS risk mapping / decision support system to prioritise locations to be targeted in a programme of inspections and maintenance - Use a database and action tracking system Sub-unit A-OSWWTS2 OTHER Y Enforce requirements for percolation Subject to investigation enforce requirements for percolation where necessary Sub-unit A-OSWWTS3 Enforce requirements for de-sludging Subject to investigation enforce requirements for desludging where necessary Sub-unit A-OSWWTS4 RESEARCH Y Connection to municipal systems Subject to investigation consider connection to municipal systems Sub-unit A-OSWWTS5 Amend Building Regulations Amend Building Regulations to incorporate On-site wastewater treatment system best practice guidance National A-OSWWTS6 RESEARCH Y National Panel of Experts Certified national panel of experts for site investigation and certification of installed systems. A second panel of hydrogeologists is required for clusters and large systems National A-OSWWTS7 RESEARCH Y National group for formulating polices and coordination of consistent approach National group for formulating polices and coordination of consistent approach National A-OSWWTS8 LEGAL Y technical advice section or advisory group A technical advice section or advisory group to coordinate and give advice on emerging and innovative technologies National A-OSWWTS9 PRACTICE Y Installation and maintenance training by FAS Installation and maintenance training by FAS National A-PM1 PRACTICE Y Investigate HMWB Investigate the ecological potential of heavily modified waters and implement identified mitigation measures Water Body A-PM2 OTHER Y Physical Modification - Code of Practice Implementation of Code of Practice, i.e. Best Practice Toolkit, nationally National A-PM3 ADMIN Y Physical Modification - Support voluntary initiatives Support voluntary initiatives such as wetland schemes, applicable nationally National A-PM4 EDUCATIONAL N remediation schemes Impact on status due to channelisation/embankments confirmed, enhancement schemes to be considered RBD A-PM5 LEGAL Y Channelisation investigation Impact on status due to channelisation/embankments not confirmed, further investigation required Water Body A-PM7 RESEARCH Y Impassable barriers investigation Investigation required to identify risk and confirm impact on status of impassable barriers National A-RES1 RESEARCH Y STRIVE Pathways Project EPA funded research project to better improve our understanding of the critical source areas and contaminant movement along pathways from land surface to aquatic receptors. The project will further understanding of diffuse contaminant migration in Ireland and provide a more scientifically sound basis for focussing resources in RBDs to achieve good status in a cost effective manner. National A-RES2 Status Recovery Timescales EPA propose further research to assess the efficiency of measures and factors influencing the recovery of ecosystems. Key knowledge gaps midentified to date include: - Efficiency of measures and remediation for water bodies (bad status) - Evaluation of factors that influence ecological recovery National 1 Point Sources 0.25 N 2 Diffuse Sources 25.29 N 3 Abstraction 0 Y N 4897446400 Other National 2010 The calculation of costs is based on the available information from Central Government on the cost of the Water Service Investment Programme (2010-2012) and measures in place to address agricultural pressures (Agricultural Catchment Programme and Farmyard Waste Management Scheme). This has been supplemented by invetigative measures proposed for on-site wastewater treatment systems. The actual cost of measures will be higher than the figures provided however an estimate of the cost covering all measures is not available at this stage. Co-ordinated The primary means of co-ordination is through the North-South Water Framework Directive Coordination Group, which is supported by a number of technical working groups with representatives from the implementing authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The publication Working Together Managing Our Shared Waters, The Shannon International River Basin District provides details of the principal areas of cooperation in the development of the River Basin Management Plans. In the RBMP a clear distinction between basic and supplementary measures in the programme of measures is difficult as there is a considerable overlap in the regulatory instruments used to implement the different types of measures. The national monitoring programme has been recently expanded to include a much broader range of substances. As the monitoring programme for dangerous substances was only recently introduced the position in relation to dangerous substances has not yet been fully assessed. Where non-compliances have occurred, further investigations are requied to determine the extent, causes and sources of chemical status non-compliance in order to implement appropriate measures. For this reason it has not been possible to populate the priority substances and specific pollutants information. 2009-2015 511940000 Water supply for households -9999 79024236 92656128 -9999 -9999 0 0.96 m3 Water supply for industry -9999 71211954 92656128 -9999 -9999 100 0.96 m3 Wastewater collection and treatment for households 42978969 0 92656128 -9999 -9999 0 0.96 m3 Wastewater collection and treatment for industry 0 0 92656128 -9999 -9999 100 0.96 m3 Y The RBM Plan takes account of the analysis in the Economic Analysis of Water Use (EAWU) report prepared during the Article 5 characterisation process as the economic baseline. The costs of wastewater discharge and on site systems measures have been estimated. Details concerning the investment costs of water services were taken from the government’s national Water Services Investment Plan (2010-2012). The EAWU Report used all readily available data to provide estimates of selected current and future key water users' demand by volume and Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) and Rural Water Programme (RWP) capital costs. Survey data also informed some revenue/price and operation and maintenance cost estimates for selected local authorities. N/A The EAWU Report used all readily available data to provide estimates of selected current and future key water users' demand by volume and Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) and Rural Water Programme (RWP) capital costs. Survey data also informed some revenue/price and operation and maintenance cost estimates for selected local authorities. This issue has not been addressed. The EAWU report provides a national abstractive water demand by customer class. The projected costs of water services through to 2015 were estimated via trend analysis of the Water Services Investment Programme and Rural Water Programme. There is on-going co-operation on policy and technical matters. Co-ordination on economic analysis will take place as part of the implementation of the river basin plans. There is on-going co-operation on policy and technical matters. Co-ordination on economic analysis will take place as part of the implementation of the river basin plans. Methodologies describing how to assess the cost effectiveness of measures was provided by central government in 2008 for use by the RBDs. Alternative supplementary measures for relevant pressures were evaluated by this methodology to determine the most cost effective approach to addressing pressures when supplementary measures are needed. In the Shannon IRBD the cost and effectiveness of possible alternative measures to address diffuse pressures from on-site wastewater treatment systems and morphological pressures from channelisation were estimated to allow the development of the most cost effective approach to achieving good ecological status in each relevant water body or sub catchment. This methodology allowed selection of adequate measures to bridge the gap between current status and good status. Guidance on economic assessment and a baseline report on the economic analysis of water use in Ireland are available as economic background documents on www.wfdireland.ie. The Environmental Protection Agency has begun some additional work with regard to quantifying the benefits of the water environment. The costs of wastewater discharge and on-site systems measures in the Shaannon IRBD have been estimated. Economic analysis has not been used to justify deferral of measures or extension of objectives in the district. Methodologies for cost effectiveness analysis and disproportionate costs were developed by central government and will be more widely applied throughout the first cycle as measure implementation is prioritised. N/A The Economic Analysis of Water Use report (EAWU) made use of available information to provide an initial overview of the current and projected future economic benefits and costs associated with the utilisation of water resources in Ireland. http://www.wfdireland.ie/docs/35_Economics/Economic%20Analysis%20of%20Water%20use.pdf Review of Water Resource Benefit Values Report. The estimation of water resource benefit values is a substantial research activity internationally, although to date such values have been used relatively infrequently in Ireland. The purpose of this review was to establish the degree to which such water resources values are available, both nationally and abroad, and to evaluate the robustness of these figures and their transferability to specific Irish conditions. http://wfdireland.ie/docs/35_Economics/Review%20of%20Water%20Resource%20Benefit%20Values%20-%20Draft%20Reportv5.pdf National Water Services Investment Plan (2010-2012). http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Water/WaterServices/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,22735,en.pdf A national study entitled “Economic Analysis of Water Use” (EAWU)was undertaken in 2004 in which selected water services and beneficial uses were defined. Multiple datasets and publications were reviewed to identify data that enabled an assessment to be made of the economic significance of the agricultural and industrial sectors and selected key water-using subsectors in Ireland’s river basin districts. Key water-using subsectors were defined as those in which water-using activities are critical, due both to the volume of water used as well as the absence of suitable substitutes. This comprised 3 key agricultural sub sectors, 10 aggregated industrial sub sectors and 5 miscellaneous other sectors. The private-sector significance of water supply utilities in Ireland are relatively minor due to the fact that the majority of economic activity in this subsector is of a public nature. The report developed estimates of water services costs and cost recovery. Water Services in Ireland are categorised as Public Water Schemes, Public Sewerage Schemes, Private Installations, Administration and Miscellaneous. Data were available primarily in local authority annual budgets and financial statements which represent income and expenditure estimates. The majority of capital funding comes directly from central government, with the remainder from local authorities or industry based on cost recovery pursuant to the polluter pays principle (PPP). As a result, applicable information with regard to capital spending comes from central government in the form of expenditure breakdowns for the Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) and the Rural Water Programme (RWP). The WSIP data is broken down by Local Authority. The rural nature of the RWP is reflected in its decomposition by County Council only. The WSIP is designed to address Ireland’s water and sewerage infrastructural deficit. The RWP is administered by Local Authorities with the goal of addressing deficiencies in Group Water Schemes (GWS), small water and sewerage schemes in rural villages and in private individual supplies where an alternative group or public supply is not available. The volume of water demand and capital cost of water supply is projected. 52.6% is apportioned to domestic use and 47.4% to non-domestic use. On the basis of government returns (2003), approximately 28% of the water produced was supplied to non-domestic users; the anomaly may be explained by unaccounted for water. Non-domestic users are charged for the production costs of non-domestic water, including the marginal capital costs (largely O&M costs). Preliminary estimations of Environmental/Resource costs were also made in the EAWU report, but due to the absence of relevant data, these estimates were simply the local authorities' estimates of outstanding marginal costs of water services (for basic measures compliance) and are only valid to the extent that these addional expenditures would in fact yield comparable marginal benefits (for which no data were available to validate). The report also developed projections of demand for potable water and in the supply capacity for water services. The River Basin Management Plan describes how Ireland takes account of the principle of recovery of the costs of water services; data for estimating environmental and resource costs were identified as being limited and inadequate for such estimations, partly through the implementation of the 11 Basic directives, other relevant Directives and Other Basic Measures, but also through the introduction of new measures and guidance targeting the principal pressure sources in each water body. It is Government Policy to recover the cost of providing water services from the users of these services, with the exception of water services for domestic/household purposes, and to fully recover the costs of their water services. A programme of universal metering of water for non-domestic services is ongoing. Local authorities report the cost of delivering water and wastewater services to domestic users. Presently domestic use is funded by the Local Government Fund & General Purpose Payments and by development levies. In 1998, the Irish government adopted a “Water Services Pricing Policy” Framework requiring no cross subsidy of domestic service from non-domestic charges, non-domestic charge to include a maximum 20% allowance for leakage recovery of “average operational” and “marginal” capital costs of water services from all non-domestic users, the completion of the metering of all non-domestic and the maintenance of the status quo of not charging for provision of domestic water services. Following a recent Government decision, legislation is to be introduced by the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government to enable local authorities to charge domestic users for water services in a manner which provides incentives for efficient water use and which recovers an adequate contribution of the costs of water services. Proposals will also be brought forward for a metering programme for domestic users. The EAWU report estimates the values of foregone water resources benefits due to excessive pollution from Local Authorities projections of wastewater treatment financial needs in their Water Service Investment Programme reports. These estimates were reported to be only valid to the extent that the marginal costs of providing funding for these needs were consistent with the level of marginal benefits therein derived. At the time of the report this was the only means of deriving any national estimate of the public environmental/resource costs. Ireland expects to fully apply paragraph 1, second sentence during the first river basin management cycle. The Water Framework directive intends that water pricing policy should act as an incentive towards efficient water usage so as to “contribute to the environmental objectives of the directive” and to recover “an adequate contribution” of the costs of water services from the main user groups, including industry, agriculture and households. Since 1998 Government’s National Water Pricing Policy has been to charge non-domestic customers for water and waste water services to recover the full costs of providing such services to these customers. Metering of all non-domestic uses is largely complete. The installation of meters on the supply of non-domestic customers facilitates the equitable, transparent and efficient implementation of water pricing policy. In relation to the domestic sector the cost of capital, operational and maintenance costs for water services have been met in full from the Exchequer since 1997. Following a recent Government decision, legislation is to be introduced by the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government to enable local authorities to charge domestic users for water services in a manner which provides incentives for efficient water use and which recovers an adequate contribution of the costs of water services. Proposals will also be brought forward for a metering programme for domestic users. The EAWU report estimated selected water use benefits. It calculated gross output values of selected key water-using subsectors in the agricultural and industrial sectors and miscellaneous other key water-using subsectors, including seaweed harvesting, inland commercial fishing, aquaculture, and water-based leisure activities. It developed gross output values which are key metrics of economic activity and important to understanding the relative significance of water resources to the various key water-using sectors and subsectors. Consumption estimates and water charge rates can provide estimates of each subsectors’ willingness to pay for water. They provide insight into the value added to the final water-dependent outputs that is attributable exclusively to the water resource (i.e., not inclusive of labour and other capital). In the case of the domestic sector, these water use valuations may provide some insight into the value households place on potable water services. The EAWU report made use of existing and readily available data to provide an initial overview of the economic benefits and costs associated with the utilization of water resources in Ireland. In general, data gaps related to the future economic analysis requirements of the WFD are mostly related to: 1) effectiveness of measures, 2) costs associated with implementation of these measures (especially private sector), 3) economic impacts associated with imposition of these implementation costs, and 4) benefits foregone due to delayed or incomplete implementation of these and other potentially necessary measures. In general, the data gaps related to the future economic analysis requirements of the WFD are mostly related to 1) effectiveness of measures, 2) costs associated with implementation of these measures (especially private sector), 3) economic impacts associated with imposition of these implementation costs, and 4) benefits foregone due to delayed or incomplete implementation of these and other potentially necessary measures. The EAWU report identified additional economic data and analysis needs based on the fact that baseline water use characterisation information generally had to be derived from national or relatively coarse regional estimates; cost and cost recovery of water services datasets provided inadequate information on costs and costs recovery associated with individual key water-using subsectors or categories; and projections of the future demand and supply of water services need refining for effective planning at optimal geographic scales. The report identified the need for more refined analytical tools and procedures such as cost effectiveness analysis, and in certain circumstances, cost benefit analysis and incidence analysis (i.e., economic impact assessments). Such guidance has been developed by the Irish Government during 2008 and 2009. The EAWU report developed an approach as to how the future economic analysis of water use should be applied in the overarching planning context of WFD implementation at the optimal geographic scale. This included combination and scaling of programmes of measures; blending economic and environmental considerations into a single framework; prioritisation of improvements to water status; decision support methodologies and criteria; and case studies of planning and implementation. Guidance on economic assessment and a baseline report on the economic analysis of water use in Ireland are available as economic background documents on www.wfdireland.ie. The Environmental Protection Agency has begun some additional work with regard to quantifying the benefits of the water environment. N/A