Inland Waterways

Water Consultation Process 2003-4

The Heritage Council strongly supports the availability of a sufficient supply of good-quality surface water and ground water as needed for sustainable water use, the conservation and improvement of all surface, coastal and ground waters, and the conservation of aquatic habitats. We also support raising awareness among water users of how natural environments respond to the pressures from a wide range of activities, including land use.

In 2001, the Heritage Council embarked on a consultative process to advise its future policy on water management issues and on the Water Framework Directive (WFD), which aims to reverse the continuing decline in the quality of Europe's water resources. Recommendations will be made to the government about: the implementation of the WFD; other necessary measures to improve and conserve water supplies; and the management of human activities that affect our water resources.

A working group of expert opinion on water quality was established and, in March 2003, the Heritage Council completed its consultative document Seeking Your Views On Water Quality. All respondents were invited to a Water Seminar held in Athlone on 18 October 2003.