The Local Authority Waters and Communities Office
The Local Authority Waters and Communities Office was set up in February 2016 to assist with the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive in Ireland. It provides a shared service on behalf of all Local Authorities and have been tasked with two key objectives:
-To coordinate the Water Framework Directive activities of Local Authorities through agreed regional structures.
-To promote greater public participation in the protection of our natural waters and in the development of River Basin Management Plans.
Our Community Water Officers will work closely with local communities, public bodies, sectoral interests, Public Participation Networks (PPNs), Local Development Companies and others to facilitate community action in the management of our water environment.
Ireland's rivers, lakes, coastal and groundwaters are some of our greatest natural assets. These waters support an array of plant and wildlife habitats, they provide recreation and amenity benefits and contribute substantially to local economies as a result of tourism and industry.
Our office will provide technical assistance and support for local communities on water based initiatives. Some examples include:
- Invasive species removal and control
- Fish passage improvement
- Fish spawning enhancement
- Riverbank improvement works/halting erosion
- In stream works - stream crossings
- Community engagement
- Citizen science and monitoring of local rivers - Nature detectives
- Restoration of wildlife habitats
- "Solution to pollution" - action on problems identified
- Access to waters and livestock management best practice
- River heritage and walks signage and leaflets
The Local Authority Waters and Communities Office is funded by the Department of Housing, Community, Planning and Local Government and is managed jointly by Kilkenny County Council and Tipperary County Council. The office can be contacted by info@lawco.ie or phone 0761 06 5262.
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