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Project title

Towards Integrated Water Management (TIMe)

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)

Lead Applicant

Alec Rolston

Project Abstract

An integrated approach in water management is required between different sectors to achieve future actions on water and sustainable development. This Towards Integrated Water Management (TIMe) Project aims to connect science, policy, managers and local communities for the integrated management of Ireland�s water resources to deliver improvements in environmental status, water quality and water management. TIMe will analyse sound, robust international methodologies and assess their potential application in Ireland. TIMe will examine solutions to promote Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in Ireland with a particular focus on �bottom-up� approaches that can lead to more engaged and motivated local communities with regards to water management. This will be achieved through (1) literature reviews of current best practice in both IWRM and community engagement (CE); (2) Undertaking cost-benefit analysis of current best practice methods; (3) Assessing current water managers and local communities� understanding and opinion on IWRM; (4) Assessing the feasibility of current best practice source protection planning at the larger catchment scale; and (5) Delivering a Best Practice IWRM workshop. Project recommendations will focus on CE and on-ground delivery of IWRM to motivate communities to become actively involved in local water management ultimately benefiting IWRM at the national level. Outputs of the TIMe project include: � A final report including two literature reviews, a gap analysis, a cost-benefit analysis, a feasibility assessment, and assessment of current opinion on IWRM. � A two page summary report � Up to two publications in international peer-reviewed journals to be published following the completion of the project � A project webpage � Two Good Practice leaflets � Organisation and delivery of a Best Practice IWRM seminar � At least one oral presentation at an international conference � Development of facebook and twitter profiles related to the TIMe project.

Grant Approved

�74,605.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Understanding, managing and conserving our water resources

Start Date

09/02/2015

Initial Projected Completion Date

08/02/2016