Suir Catchment launches Better Farming for Water Action Plan

The Suir Catchment Better Farming for Water Action Plan was launched in Thurles to speed adoption of the 8 Actions for Change on farms and to unite farmers, industry and agencies in efforts to improve water quality in the River Suir catchment.

The Suir Catchment Better Farming for Water Action Plan was launched at the Anner Hotel in Thurles, Co Tipperary. The plan aims to accelerate adoption of the 8 Actions for Change on farms to improve water quality where agriculture is a significant pressure. The River Suir is one of eight EPA-identified priority catchments that will receive tailored action plans. The initiative brings together farmers, Teagasc, agri-food industry partners and local authorities to deliver measures across the catchment. Key details: - The Suir Catchment Implementation Group is chaired by dairy farmer Edward Carr and is supported by Teagasc Catchment Coordinator Claire Mooney. - ArraTipp Co-operative and ABP Ireland are joint industry leads for the campaign. - The plan focuses on implementing the 8 Actions for Change, including improved nutrient management, farmyard management and land management practices. - The River Suir is listed among eight priority catchments (including the Slaney, Barrow, Boyne, Nore, Blackwater, Lee and Bandon-Ilen) that will have tailored plans with targets and timelines. - A booklet produced at the launch sets out six programme pillars: multi-actor stakeholder engagement, mapped water-quality awareness, upskilling programmes, knowledge transfer, supporting research and a communications plan. Summary: The action plan creates a coordinated framework for public and private partners to work toward measurable water-quality improvements in the Suir catchment. Implementation will be guided by the Suir Catchment Implementation Group with industry and community involvement. The programme includes clear targets and timelines and will roll out training, engagement and research activities across the catchment.