Minister Murphy launches River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021
Ó An Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitúil agus Oidhreachta
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Ó An Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitúil agus Oidhreachta
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy T.D., today launched the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for Ireland 2018-2021. The plan outlines the measures the State and other sectors will take to improve water quality in Ireland’s groundwater, rivers, lakes, estuarine and coastal waters over the next four years. The Government aims to protect and improve water quality in 726 of Ireland’s 4,829 water bodies over the next four years. The Plan is in fulfillment of requirements under the Water Framework Directive (WFD).
Speaking this afternoon after launching the Plan at an event for stakeholders, Minister Murphy said: “Today is a seminal day for water quality in Ireland. Environmental water quality is vital to clean water sources, clean food production, good quality of life and protecting public health and the environment. This Plan represents the most coordinated and ambitious roadmap for improving water quality that Ireland has ever produced. All involved in influencing and delivering it should be proud today.”
Amongst the Plan’s main commitments are:
On the expected outcomes arising from the Plan, Minister Murphy said implementation will result in social, environmental and economic benefits. “By implementing this Plan, communities will benefit from improved waste water treatment, stronger protection of drinking water sources and cleaner waters for recreation. Environmentally, water quality will improve and be protected in 726 water bodies, with full recovery in water quality status class expected in 152 water bodies.
“Economically, water-intensive sectors such as the agri-food, tourism and hospitality sectors - which collectively sustain approximately 400,000 jobs, many in rural Ireland - will also benefit from greater protection of water supply sources and cleaner natural waters.
Concluding, the Minister said: “This Plan is underpinned by strong implementation structures and a commitment to meaningful community and civic participation. I want to thank all those who have contributed to the Plan, including the many who attended public meetings and provided submissions during last year’s public consultation. Today we have a plan. Tomorrow we will continue to make the Plan’s vision a reality and protect this most precious natural resource for current and future generations.”