Water Framework Directive

CATCHMENT SURVEYS OF THE DAINGEAN RIVER & THE SHINRONE & KILCOMIN STREAMS  

Offaly County Council wish to advise of upcoming works to improve the water quality in our rivers, streams and groundwater.  This work is undertaken to protect and restore our natural waters as required under the Water Framework Directive.

While County Offaly’s groundwater and surface waters are generally of good quality, there are many impacts and pressures that need to be addressed to bring all waters up to a satisfactory level.

The Council identify the catchments to be assessed based on risk, and are commencing this work focusing on three catchments, the  Shinrone and Kilcomin Streams in the Southwest of the County, and the Daingean (Phillipstown River) in the East of the County, all of which are currently at risk of not meeting good water quality status. 

An initial investigative assessment will be undertaken by sampling the water along the stream/river.  On the basis of these results, targeted inspections will be undertaken on pressures which may pose a risk to water quality.  The work aims to improve the water quality  in the watercourses.

All this work falls under the Water Framework Directive, the European Union (Water Policy) Regulations 2014, the Water Pollution  Acts 1977 - 1990, Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 (for septic tanks) and the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2014. 

Good water quality is vital for all communities.  You can find more information about the current status of your local rivers and streams on www.catchments.ie

If you have any queries in relation to this matter please contact the Water Quality Team, Environment & Water Services Section, Offaly County Council at (057) 93 57403.

Director of Services, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road,Tullamore, Co.Offaly