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Project title

Monitoring and evaluating targeted mitigation approaches to improve Water Quality

Primary Funding Agency

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (Teagasc)

Lead Applicant

Daire � hUallach�in

Project Abstract

Declining water quality is an issue of global concern. Over half of the surface waters in the European Union are failing to achieve the minimum threshold required under the Water Framework Directive, with a similar pattern apparent in Ireland. Nutrient enrichment, coupled with excess sediment inputs are the primary pollutants for most freshwater ecosystems, with anthropogenic activities (including agricultural activities) identified as the main sources of pollutants. Protection and restoration of good water quality is now a key objective of sectoral (e.g., Food Vision 2030), national (e.g., Programme for Government), EU (e.g., Water Framework Directive) and global (UN Sustainable Development Goals) policies. The Measures for Water project will embrace a unique opportunity and align with the recently approved WaterEIP (~€60m), to assess the effectiveness of clusters of practical, on-farm measures, implemented (through the WaterEIP) to protect and improve water quality across a gradient of scales (i.e. field, farm, catchment). The project will combine a range of research methods across three study catchments, including: desk studies, catchment characterisation, field/farm/catchment-scale analysis, GIS, multi-criteria analysis, modelling approaches, socio-economic assessment, multi-actor engagement and use of expert knowledge. The multi-disciplinary project team consists of experts in the integrated fields of water quality, soil, hydrology, chemistry, agronomy, ecology and agri-environment, thus ensuring a holistic view of mitigation approaches. This project is of relevance to a significant audience of farmers, researchers, industry and policymakers. The project will develop technologies and tools to support farmers, advisors, land and water managers to protect and improve water quality. The outcomes of the project will inform policy, but also benefit broader sections of our society and economy. The identification, evaluation and dissemination of effective mitigation approaches (i.e., measures, management practices, tools and technologies) to protect and improve water quality is an essential element of our vision for sustainable agricultural systems.

Grant Approved

�250,000.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/12/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2027