Local councillors told water quality in north Tipperary below national average

Water quality across north Tipperary remains below the national average, despite some localised improvements, councillors at the January meeting of Nenagh Municipal District were told as part of a presentation from LAWPRO (Local Authority Waters Programme).

LAWPRO officials informed members that just 28 per cent of rivers and lakes in Tipperary are at “good or high” status, compared to a national average of 52 per cent, with 21 water bodies deteriorating and only 13 improving in the most recent Environmental Protection Agency assessment.

While welcoming improvements in parts of the Nenagh river catchment and headwaters feeding into the river Suir, Cllr Séamie Morris said the overall picture remained worrying.

“We’re fighting a losing battle at the moment,” he said, noting that more rivers are declining than improving and warning that unchecked discharges and drainage practices are continuing to damage watercourses.

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Cllr Morris also questioned whether sufficient inspections were being carried out along rivers to identify illegal or poorly managed discharge pipes, saying that many were “obvious” to anyone walking riverbanks regularly.

Cllr Michael O’Meara said everyone had a role to play in improving water quality, from farmers and industry to homeowners with septic tanks, particularly in light of increased rainfall and stronger run-off in recent years.

He warned that slowing water flow too much could also have unintended consequences, including stagnation and damage to fish habitats, and called for balanced, science-led solutions.

Officials told councillors that work is ongoing through targeted farm inspections, septic tank checks and advisory programmes delivered in partnership with Teagasc and agricultural co-ops.

They stressed that the focus is on supporting farmers rather than introducing further regulation, with measures including buffer zones, improved slurry and nutrient management, and nature-based solutions designed to filter and slow run-off before it reaches rivers.

Protected urea was highlighted by Cllr Michael O’Meara as a positive development already delivering environmental benefits, particularly in reducing nitrogen loss.

The meeting also heard that a newly appointed Community Water Officer for Tipperary and Waterford will support local groups, schools and drainage committees through education, citizen science projects and funding applications.

Grant funding of up to €40,000 is available under the Community Water Development Fund, with additional smaller schemes open year-round to support community-led initiatives.

Officials acknowledged that while progress is being made in some areas, sustained effort and cooperation will be required over the coming years to reverse declining trends.