Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency in its recently released report found; “a dramatic loss in the percentage of high ecological river sites over the last 20 years”.
One of the key findings was that 30% of Irish rivers were of high ecological status in 1987. By 2008 this had dropped to 17%, located in less densely populated, less developed and less intensively farmed areas.
The suspected causes of this dramatic loss are nutrient inputs, siltation, and acidification associated with activities such as forestry, agriculture and housing development.
Commenting on the findings of the report Dara Lynott, Director, EPA Office of Environmental Enforcement said: The scale of the task of achieving the Water Framework Directive is now becoming clearer. In addition to applying protective measures to those sites assigned high and good ecological status almost 50% of rivers and lake water bodies will require restorative measures; while 40% of estuaries and coastal waters will also need to be restored”
It is clear that the scale of the task facing Ireland to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive are huge. This could not have happened at a worse time when Ireland is in a major financial crisis. Justifying the expenditure will be tough but investment is essential to avoid prosecution by the EU and protect the environment. The broader benefits of environmental investment will need to be recognized – such as job creation and protecting tourism. It will require all parties (EPA, Government, developers, farmers et al) to think creatively and work together to design the innovative solutions that will be required.
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