Waterways in danger, hear the issues and have your say

Two upcoming online meetings about the water quality in Kildare rivers will give people information and a chance to discuss issues in the local waterways, writes Brian Byrne.

They are organised by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), a shared service for local authorities in water quality management which coordinates activities by local authorities and public bodies, provides catchment science and management, and helps with community engagement and support.

According to the organisation's Aoife McGrath, 'unprecedented times' are making clear the effects of climate change and loss of biodiversity in the water quality of our rivers. "This will have knock-on effects for our health and wellbeing," she warns.

The meetings are are scheduled for (North) Kildare on Monday 28 February at 7:30pm and (South) Kildare on Wednesday 2 March at 7.30pm. "These meetings will provide vital information on the Draft River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027, and there will be a questions and answers session and a discussion on local issues."

Agencies responsible for protecting Ireland’s rivers have found that agriculture, forestry, and urban wastewater treatment are among the leading causes of pollution in our rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters. “There’s a big effort involving a lot of organisations trying to pinpoint what’s happening in our rivers," says Aoife McGrath. "We need local people to help us get a better understanding."

Registration for the meetings can be done at www.lawaters.ie or via Facebook @LAWPROteam. You can contact LAWPRO’s Head office at 052 6166237. 

For information on the Draft River Basin Management plan 2022-2027 visit the virtual consultation room at LAwaters.ie.

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