Master plan for water framework directive activities in Ireland leading to River Basin Management Plans

Abstract

The water framework directive master plan (WFDMP) in Ireland is being developed jointly by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the River Basin District (RBD) competent authorities (namely lead Local Authorities) and stakeholders including the relevant public authorities. The WFDMP was recently adopted by the National Technical Coordination Group (NTCG) and has been uploaded onto the website (www.wfdireland.ie) as the fundamental document coordinating WFD related activities in Ireland leading to the River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). There are eight River Basin Districts (RBD) covering the entire island of Ireland and accordingly there will be eight River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). Key elements of the new ecological approach to adaptive management of water resources are in focus namely public participation and integrated water resources planning. The WFDMP sets out the overall work plan required to meet the Republic of Ireland’s obligations under the WFD and associated national Water Policy Regulations (SI No. 722 of 2003) which transposed the WFD into Irish law and very close co-operation with the UK authorities is essential to ensure harmonization for three of the RBDs that straddle the border with Northern Ireland (NI) with one RBD being entirely within NI. Having successfully completed Article 3 (designate RBD areas and Competent Authorities), 5 (Characterisation) and 6 (Register of Protected Areas) requirements, the following prerequisite deadlines and milestones lie ahead leading to the production of the first River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) in 2009: (a) classification systems (including EQS for priority substances), (b) programme of monitoring, (c) timetable and work programme for production of RBMP, (d) Overview of the significant water management issues (SWMI) in RBDs (for purpose of public information and consultation), (e) draft RBMP, (f) environmental objectives, (g) programme of measures and (h) RBMPs. The paper will address the above milestones in detail and report on and provide a snapshot of Ireland’s position in implementing the WFD.