On Saturday, September 2nd, an exciting and informative event is taking place — inspired by community concerns over the water quality in the Corrib Catchment. Several groups, including the Ballindiff Bay Angling Club, Corrib Beo, Corrib Mask Carra Water Protection Group, East Corrib Alliance, and Tuatha of Terryland Forest Park, have been working together to plan a day of action and collaboration.
This event will bring together agencies, NGOs, and community groups who are working to protect and promote water quality in the Corrib Catchment. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about the important work being done to protect our precious water resource!
On the day of the event, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a range of agencies and individuals who are actively working to protect the water and ecology of the Corrib. One such agency is ACRES West Connacht, which is working with landowners on a new results-based payment scheme. This innovative programme rewards farmers for farming in a manner that best meets the environmental needs of the local area, taking into account the agricultural and environmental characteristics of the landscape.
Communities are at the heart of this initiative, one of which is the Ballindiff Bay Angling Club, who like many groups in the Corrib Catchment are active on the ground protecting water quality, “Ballindiff Angling Club is working with landowners, farmers and local school’ in our community to help preserve our wild habitat and our Native fish species. Water Quality and the Awareness of nonnative species are issues we are highlighting in our community, as well as the promotion of Angling for our young people”, Don Stiffe Ballindiff Bay Anglers.
Other ongoing community initiatives will be showcased featuring citizen science projects from groups including ‘Water Sports for Green’ a programme by EcoEd4All. This project is engaging students in the Corrib Catchment on water quality and the value of healthy aquatic habitats.
“EcoEd4All have been working together with the Carra, Mask, Water Protection Group (CMCWPG ) on a school’s engagement programme on the Corrib. We aim to raise awareness on the importance of good water quality in the Corrib region. Working with groups with local knowledge of the catchment and different skills sets has helped us achieve our goals. Through a Corrib Trust we would hope to expand our work and assist other communities” Jennifer Cunningham, EcoEd4All.
CMCWPG was set up in 2001. “The founding members were concerned that the water quality in the three interconnected Western lakes Carra, Mask and Corrib catchments were declining, sadly the decline continues. The mission of the group is to restore our lakes to ecologically sound status and prevent pollution. Our activities include monitoring water quality, influencing water policy through membership of the Sustainable Water Network ( SWAN ) and liaising with Government Bodies, NGO’S, Angling Clubs etc. Kevin O’Crowley, CMCWPG.
The River’s Trust is an environmental charity and the umbrella body of the rivers trust movement, working to protect, promote and enhance our freshwater ecosystems for both people and wildlife across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. You can find out more about the work of The Rivers Trust on our Website: www.theriverstrust.org
Local Rivers Trusts are community initiatives started by local people to care for their local rivers and connected ecosystems. They deliver practical improvements for their rivers by supporting citizen science and education, monitoring and managing flora and fauna, tackling invasive species, creating and restoring habitats to prevent biodiversity loss, and monitoring water quality.
If you would like to contact The Rivers Trust Movement in Ireland, please email Constanze O’Toole, the Ireland Development Manger at The Rivers Trust: Email: [email protected].
The event is supported by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO ), The Rivers Trust (All-Ireland ), and Galway Public Participation Network. LAWPRO and the Rivers Trust work in collaboration to support emerging catchment groups in formation and delivering projects on the ground to improve water quality. Come along to learn more about this initiative and get involved in making a difference in the Corrib Catchment.
Booking is recommended, please register in advance at Eventbrite.ie, search “Who’s Who in the Corrib”.
