Suir Catchment Action Plan for better water quality launched
The Suir Catchment Better Farming for Water Action Plan has been officially launched.
The aim of the plan is to accelerate the adoption of ‘8 Actions for Change’, which is part of Teagasc’s Better Farming for Water campaign to improve water quality in water bodies where agriculture is a significant pressure.
The River Suir is one of eight priority catchments, alongside the Slaney, Barrow, Boyne, Nore, Blackwater, Lee, and Bandon–Ilen, identified by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) among ‘catchments of concern’.
These catchments will have tailored action plans with clear targets and timelines to deliver measurable water quality improvements.
Collectively, these campaigns are intended to improve both local and national water quality.
The Suir Catchment Implementation Group is chaired by Edward Carr, a dairy farmer in the catchment, with ArraTipp and ABP Ireland as joint industry leads.
The initiative brings together key stakeholders including farmers, Teagasc, agri-food industries, Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA), the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), local authorities, and the wider community, supported by a dedicated Teagasc catchment coordinator, Claire Mooney.
Nutrient losses
Speaking at the launch, director of research at Teagasc, Prof. Pat Dillon said: “Farmers have an important role to play in protecting and improving water quality in our rivers.
"In recent years, there are indications that nutrient losses from agriculture to rivers, particularly phosphorus, have reduced.
“However, there is an urgent requirement to further reduce these nutrient losses, and all farmers have a role to play in this effort.
"Achieving this will require changes in on-farm practices, including the adoption of the '8 Actions for Change'.”
Prof. Dillion also acknowledged the members of the Suir Catchment Implementation Group Oversight Committee, including its chair, Edward Carr.
Speaking at the launch, Edward Carr said: “I farm in Knockmaroe, Milestone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, alongside my wife June and our family, supplying milk to ArraTipp, which has ingredient facilities in Nenagh and Tipperary Town.
"I readily agreed to chair this committee at this critically important juncture for Irish agriculture, as it aims to support and accelerate the adoption of on-farm actions to improve water quality in the River Suir, where agriculture is a significant pressure.”
Stephen Connolly, agri sustainability manager with ABP Ireland added: “ABP is delighted to act as joint industry lead alongside ArraTipp Co-operative.
"As you are aware, ABP has a significant presence in Cahir, which is located within the River Suir Catchment.
"It is encouraging to see this collective, cross-sector effort, bringing together both public and private partners, to address the challenge of improving water quality.”
ArraTipp CEO, Eamon O’Sullivan said: “The challenge for agri-food industry in Ireland is to produce food to the highest standards, which provides a viable income for farm families and is also environmentally sustainable.
"Improving water quality in Ireland is an urgent requirement as highlighted by recent EPA reports and negotiations for the sixth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and derogation extension to the end of 2028.”
At the launch, a comprehensive booklet was produced outlining the six pillars of the Suir Catchment Programme.
These include stakeholder engagement using a multi-actor approach; building awareness using detailed maps on water quality; upskilling programmes for farmers, advisers, teachers and industry professional; an impactful knowledge transfer programme; a supporting research programme; and a communications plan.
