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The plan aims to support and accelerate the adoption of the ‘8 Actions for Change’ on farms across both catchments to improve water quality where agriculture is a significant pressure. The Lee and Bandon-Ilen are two of the eight priority catchments along with the Barrow, Blackwater, Boyne, Nore, Slaney and Suir identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as ‘catchments of concern’ requiring tailored, locally driven programmes to reduce nutrient and sediment losses and restore water quality. The latest EPA water‑quality assessments highlight the need for coordinated on‑farm actions, which is a core aim of the campaign.
A dedicated Lee and Bandon-Ilen Catchment Implementation Group (CIG) has been established to oversee delivery of the action plan. Carbery Group, based in Ballineen, have undertaken the role of ‘industry lead,’ fostering collaboration among stakeholders across the Lee and Bandon-Ilen catchments. The group brings together farmers, local authorities, catchment‑based industry representatives, regulators, catchment scientists, and specialists from LAWPRO and the ACP programme, Teagasc, and independent farm advisers. It is chaired by Roy Kingston, supported by dedicated Teagasc catchment coordinator, Oisín Coakley.
At the launch, a comprehensive booklet was presented outlining the six pillars of the Lee and Bandon-Ilen Catchment Action Plan. These include stakeholder engagement through a multi‑actor approach, enhanced awareness supported by detailed water‑quality mapping, upskilling programmes for farmers, advisers, teachers and agri‑industry professionals, a strengthened Knowledge Transfer (KT) programme, a supporting research programme, and a coordinated communications strategy. These pillars provide a structured and collaborative framework to deliver measurable improvements in water quality locally, while supporting Ireland’s ability to meet Nitrates Directive and Water Framework Directive requirements.