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Water Framework Directive River Basin Districts

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a key initiative aimed at improving water quality throughout the EU. It applies to rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal waters. The Directive requires an integrated approach to managing water quality on a river basin basis; with the aim of maintaining and improving water quality. The Directive requires that management plans be prepared on a river basin basis and specifies a structured approach to developing those plans.
Eight RBDs have been identified on the island of Ireland for the purpose of implementing the Directive. Three of these are shared with Northern Ireland (Shannon, Neagh Bann, and North Western), four RBDs are wholly within the state (Eastern, South Eastern, South Western and Western) and one is wholly within Northern Ireland (North Eastern).

Development of the river basin management plans has involved a coordinated effort across a wide range of organisations, including a high level of coordination with the authorities in Northern Ireland in relation to the cross-border RBDs. A key requirement of the Directive is public participation and a number of major public consultations have contributed towards development of the plans.

2015-07-07 17:58:53

2003-03-31T00:00:00

Environmental Protection Agency

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