The Water Framework Directive (WFD) was adopted in 2000 as a single piece of legislation covering rivers, lakes, groundwater and transitional (estuarine) and coastal waters. Its objectives include the attainment of good status in water bodies that are of lesser status at present and retaining good status or better where such status exists at present and to ensure long-term and sustainable use.
There are 3 cycles observed
- 1st Cycle: 2010-2015
- 2nd Cycle: 2016-2021
- 3rd Cycle: 2022-2027
Delivery of the plan to meet the objectives of the WFD involves a tiered approach across agencies:
- At Tier 1, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has responsibility for policy, necessary legislation and resourcing the Plan.
- Tier 2 is led by the EPA which is responsible for the catchment characterisation process and assisting and advising the Department
- Tier 3 consists of the Local Authority sector that has responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of measures on the ground, and providing the local knowledge required for successful delivery of the overall plan.
LAWPRO is a shared service supporting the EPA and Local Authority sector and is responsible for community engagement which is considered a pillar to ensure successful outcome of the plan.
Further information is available at:
https://www.catchments.ie/guide-water-framework-directive/
https://www.epa.ie/water/watmg/wfd/
