Funding of €5 million has been allocated to Lough Carra by the EU to aid in the restoration of the lake and the future conservation of the water quality of the lake. Issues had arisen with the quality of the water in the lake due to nutrient run-off into the water.
Fianna Fáil councillor Al McDonnell confirmed the news of the allocation to the members of the Castlebar Municipal District at their monthly meeting this week.
Cllr McDonnell, who has been a long term advocate for the the need for something to be done to save the lake, informed the members that an application by a group of community stakeholders, who go under the umbrella of the Lough Carra Catchment Association, had been approved for the funding under the EU Life projects.
The councillor said the project will involve consultation with various stakeholders including local farmers and that the plan that is come up with will be of both technical and financial assistance to farmers and other stakeholders. The measures that will be introduced will include items like individual farm plans, the creation of buffer zones and the fencing off of waterways. He also pointed out that the assistance is not just for farmers, as items like homes with septic tanks will also be included.
Cllr Cyril Burke welcomed the announcement, but said that he hoped it was not going to have too much of an impact on the farming community.
Both Cllr McDonnell and Director of Services for Mayo County Council, John Condon, praised the work done by the community group in coming together to put their application in place, with Mr Condon saying it showed what could be done in other areas.
