Avonmore River To Be Monitored As Part Of New Project To Improve Water Quality

Deputy Steven Matthews, Green Party TD for Wicklow, has welcomed the inclusion of the Avonmore River in Wicklow in measures to restore water quality and improve the aquatic environment. 

Speaking after the launch of the report, ‘The Framework of Measures and Best Practice Guidance for High Status Objective Water Bodies’, Deputy Matthews said, “I studied water quality for many years and I am fully aware of the health and environmental impacts of deterioration in the quality of water in our rivers and lakes over the last 30 years. Of particular concern, is the loss of what are called High Status waters and this  project aims to address and reverse this trend.

I am delighted that our beautiful Avonmore River will be included and improved under this project. I want to thank my Green Party colleague Minister Malcolm Noonan for ensuring Wicklow is included.

“Minister Noonan noted that 

‘High status water bodies are a precious resource and it is imperative that we not only halt, but reverse their decline. Today’s report highlights new and valuable insights into our highest status waters, and we hope to see this knowledge put to good use, not just through the Waters of LIFE project but by farm advisors, landowners and all of the stakeholders working to improve water quality. The Results Based Payments Scheme offered as part of this project will support and reward efforts made by landowners including farmers and foresters to improve water quality in these five catchments. We’ve seen the success of this model in other LIFE projects such as Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP which granted in excess of €2.4 million in payments in 2022.  I encourage eligible groups in the areas around those catchments to get involved in the project.’

“The natural environment across Wicklow is a fantastic source of recreation, encourages tourism and benefits the health and well being of residents and visitors. However many of natural amenities and habits are under threat from many sources and I am committed to ensuring we invest, protect and restore nature for all of our communities,” concluded Deputy Matthews.