Waters Of Life Group Provide Update On Quality Of Wicklow Rivers

The status of water quality in the Avonmore sub-catchment is ‘mixed’ according to a recent publication.

The sub-catchment includes the Glenmacnass and Inchavore rivers as well as Cloghoge Brook and the upper section of the Avonmore River.

Census data indicates about 2,000 people live in the area. The public meeting in Brockagh Resource Centre starts at 7:30pm where project staff will present an update on water quality and the project’s approach to catchment management.

The project’s summary is based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data and a catchment assessment by the Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO).

The Glenmacnass river has been assigned good ecological water quality status by the EPA.

The river includes the spectacular Glenmacnass falls and runs alongside military road. It has not been deemed at risk of losing its status.

The upper sections of the Avonmore river range in moderate to high water quality status as it rises near the Sally gap and flows into Laragh.

All rivers with moderate water quality need to be restored under Ireland’s legal commitment to the EU Water Framework Directive.

Waters of LIFE will be working to restore water quality in the upper reaches of the Avonmore river and Inchavore rivers as well as Cloghoge Brook.

Two sections of river in the sub-catchment are at risk of not meeting their objective, according to the EPA.