The Suir Catchment Better Farming for Water Action Plan was officially launched on Thursday, 29 January, in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, County Tipperary. The aim of the plan is to accelerate the adoption of the 8-Actions for Change on farms 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 EPA as a ‘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 central to improving 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, ACA, LAWPRO, local authorities, and the wider community, supported by a dedicated Teagasc Catchment Coordinator, Claire Mooney.
Central to the programme is the implementation of the 8 Actions for Change, focusing on improved nutrient management, farmyard management and land management practices to enhance water quality.
At the launch, a comprehensive booklet was produced outlining the 6-Pillars of the Suir Catchment Programme that includes stakeholder engagement using a multi-actor approach, building awareness using detailed maps on water quality, upskilling programmes for farmers, advisors, teachers and industry professional, an impactful KT programme, a supporting research programme and a communications plan.
