LAWPRO hosts major public meeting in Tipperary to address declining water quality

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) brought together more than 50 local residents, farmers, anglers, community groups and elected representatives at a public meeting in Templemore to discuss the condition of local rivers in the Thurles Municipal District and to outline the actions now underway to restore water quality in the river catchment.

The meeting formed part of LAWPRO’s ongoing engagement with communities across the country as part of Ireland’s national programme to protect and improve water quality under the EU Water Framework Directive.

Speaking at the event, LAWPRO staff emphasised that clean, healthy rivers are central to life in Tipperary - supporting drinking water, farming, tourism, angling, shellfish production, recreation and local economic activity. They also noted the deep cultural and historical importance of rivers in Irish life.

LAWPRO scientists presented the latest evidence from the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities, which shows that while some improvements have been made, overall water quality in Tipperary has declined in the last 15–20 years, with fewer river stretches now meeting “good” or “high” ecological status. The Upper Suir catchment in particular has experienced particular declines.

Some positive signs were also highlighted. In several areas, phosphorus concentrations are falling due to improved management in agriculture and wastewater treatment. However, these gains are being offset by new pressures, meaning overall progress remains fragile.

LAWPRO emphasised that no single sector is solely responsible, and that solutions require coordinated effort across all land uses.

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Attendees heard how LAWPRO teams are carrying out detailed scientific assessments in the Suir catchment, including river walks, chemistry sampling, ecological surveys, and continuous monitoring. This work is being complemented by local knowledge, and attendees were encouraged to share their experiences.

Attendees raised concerns about the River Suir from Thurles and upstream, and the declines that had taken place in water quality. This has had an impact on the fish and aquatic life in the river and also how it looks. The river weed growth in Thurles and general neglect was also highlighted, much of this being due to excessive nutrients entering the river. Issues associated with fish passage over a weir in Roscrea were also highlighted. The anglers in the room shared stories of how the rivers used to be and the abundance of fish life once there. Attendees also shared strong concerns about misconnected pipes, and flooding issues.

LAWPRO staff presented on some citizen science data projects delivered by the local community such as the Suircan eDNA wildlife surveys and “aging of water” sampling. The eDNA revealed the continued presence of rare species such as white-clawed crayfish, lamprey and freshwater pearl mussels in some parts of the catchment, albeit the white-clawed crayfish and freshwater pearl mussels are severely under threat.

Farmers sought clarity on how agricultural pressures are being assessed and expressed willingness to engage with advisory programmes. Support measures for farmers, such as the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) and the Farming for Water EIP, were highlighted and farmers were encouraged to participate in the Farming for Water EIP if approached by farm advisors working on the scheme. Centenary Thurles and Arrabawn-Tipperary Co-op representatives also summarised some of the work they intended to do to support farmers to help protect and restore water quality.

LAWPRO also outlined work that they are doing with stakeholders including collaboration with Tipperary County Council, OPW and Uisce Éireann on stormwater, misconnections and nature-based solutions. This will be part of wider river catchment plans for the rivers in the area.

Dr. Fran Igoe, South East Regional Coordinator with LAWPRO stressed that “restoring the River Suir and the other rivers in the district requires good partnerships between the local communities, state agencies and relevant landowners and sectors. The forthcoming local catchment plan will outline practical actions, responsibilities and funding routes, grounded in both scientific evidence and community priorities. This meeting showed the passion people in Tipperary have for their rivers. The science is clear, the local knowledge present is invaluable, and the willingness to work together is strong. With continued collaboration, we should be hopeful that the river can recover and thrive again if we all work together.”