Your Involvement/Participation

Schedule of Public Information Meetings

Who should participate?

The Western River Basin District has a rich heritage of rivers lakes and coastal waters which are not only of vast socio-economic importance to the region but also defines its cultural heritage, its uniqueness and great natural beauty.

With increases in population and economic activity these water resources are facing increased pressures.

The Water Framework Directives encourages the participation of all citizens, organisations and industries within the Western River Basin District to successfully develop the management plan for the district.

The Water Policy Regulations require the establishment by the local authorities in the Western River Basin District of a River Basin District Advisory Council (RBDAC) as a permanent forum for direct dialogue and interaction between interested parties and the relevant public authorities.

The terms of reference of the councils are to consider matters relating to the preparation of river basin management plans and other matters relevant to the preparation and use of the aquatic environment and water resources in the district and to advise and make recommendations on these matters to the relevant public authorities.

You can participate whether you are involved in agriculture, waste disposal activities, forestry, quarrying, peat harvesting, general industry, fishing or as a citizen using water every day.

How and when to participate.

Under the Water Framework Directive it is an obligation that you must be consulted and supplied with information at three specific stages leading to the development of the Western River Basin Distirct management plan.

By June 2006 a timetable and work programme for the production of the river basin management plan must be in place.

By June 2007 at the latest an interim overview of the water management issues identified in the river basin will be published.

By June 2008 at the latest draft copies of the river basin management plan will be published for consultation.

You will be informed about the publication date for each of these documents through the press, public meetings and direct communication and at each stage you will have an opportunity to comment orally and/or in writing as part of the consultation process.

Timetable and locations for public meetings - (Under Construction).

You can also e-mail the Western River Basin District project office (info@westernrbd.ie) with any queries or suggestions at any stage during the development of the management plan or contact the Western River Basin District project office in writing or by telephone.