Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, have announced a €42 million investment in water quality initiatives for 2026. This marks a fourfold increase compared to the previous year’s allocation, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to protecting and restoring water quality. The investment supports the Department’s Water Quality Capital Programme and aligns with commitments in the 2024 Water Action Plan. It also complements ongoing infrastructure investments led by Uisce Éireann.
The funding will scale up three major initiatives: the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP), urban nature-based solution projects for surface water management, and the National Barrier Mitigation Programme aimed at improving river habitats. These targeted efforts will strengthen both rural and urban water systems, enhancing Ireland’s environmental resilience and biodiversity.
Minister Browne emphasized that the funding reaffirms the government’s dedication to achieving clean, healthy waters nationwide. He highlighted the success of current initiatives like the Farming for Water EIP and nature-based solutions in cities and underscored the importance of accelerating these programmes to further improve water quality. Minister O’Sullivan added that enhancing water quality directly supports biodiversity and ecosystem health, with the initiatives contributing to Ireland’s upcoming Nature Restoration Plan and its water ecosystem targets.
The Farming for Water EIP, launched in March 2024, tackles nutrient and pesticide losses from agricultural lands through collaboration between LAWPRO, Teagasc, and Dairy Industry Ireland. Over 4,300 farmers have joined so far, implementing over forty types of measures such as buffer zones and tree planting to protect rivers. The new funding will expand the programme’s reach and effectiveness.
Urban nature-based solutions will receive funding to manage surface water and rainfall through green infrastructure such as vegetation and soil systems that absorb and filter runoff. These projects, developed with local authorities, aim to mainstream sustainable drainage approaches and build climate resilience. Since 2024, 20 urban NBS projects have been completed, and lessons from these will guide future implementations.
The National Barrier Mitigation Programme, implemented with Inland Fisheries Ireland, will also receive enhanced funding to remove or mitigate river barriers like weirs and dams. This work restores habitats for migratory fish and other species and helps reestablish natural river processes. Since its inception, 14 barriers have been fully mitigated, with 27 more currently in progress.
In addition to these initiatives, part of the funding will support ongoing water protection efforts by local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. These include investments in ICT systems, environmental assessments, cross-border collaboration, and research to further strengthen Ireland’s long-term water protection and management strategies.
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