Members of the public, community groups, and anyone with an interest in protecting local waterways are being invited to join the new Boyne River Catchment Community Forum — a national pilot project aimed at strengthening community involvement in water quality and river management.
The initiative, led by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), is part of an innovative effort to enhance public participation in water governance and environmental protection across Ireland.
Following a well-attended information evening in the Boyne River Catchment earlier this month, LAWPRO is now seeking expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to become members of the forum.
Basil Mannion, LAWPRO’s Senior Community Water Officer and Funding Lead, encouraged local participation. “We are asking members of the public to get involved in this community-led movement to protect and restore the Boyne River Catchment,” he said. “This is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of the region, collaborate with like-minded individuals and organisations, access support and services from LAWPRO, and contribute to national, regional and local management.”
Those interested in joining can contact Basil Mannion at bmannion@lawaters.ie before 29 October 2025 to register their interest.
The Boyne region has been selected as one of just five pilot areas nationally under Ireland’s Water Action Plan (River Basin Management Plan 2024–2027). The area was chosen due to its complex environmental pressures and active community engagement.
The Boyne catchment includes several Areas for Action and water bodies that exceed environmental quality standards for nutrients such as phosphate, ammonium, and nitrates. The new forum will act as a consultative platform for water quality, giving residents a direct voice in shaping local Catchment Management Work Plans.
It will also serve as a bridge between communities and decision-makers, provide a space for open discussion on water data, and support community-led environmental projects across the region.
LAWPRO says previous consultations in the Boyne area revealed both significant challenges and a strong public appetite for collaboration — paving the way for the creation of this new community forum.
Expressions of interest are welcome from environmental groups, farmers and landowners, sports and recreation clubs, local businesses, and individuals interested in water protection and sustainability.
For further details, visit www.lawaters.ie.
