A healthy river catchment provides high-quality drinking water, supports livelihoods such as agriculture, recreational angling, and water sports, and is the foundation for local ecosystems so plants, animals, fish and insects that depend on having healthy water can thrive and flourish.
The Suir Catchment Better Farming for Water Action Plan was officially launched today, Thursday 29 January, in the Anner Hotel Thurles, Dublin Rd Thurles, County Tipperary. The aim of the Suir Better Farming for Water Action Plan is to accelerate the adoption of the 8-Actions for Change on farms to improve water quality in water bodies where agriculture is a significant pressure.
The River Suir is one of eight priority catchments, alongside the Slaney, Barrow, Boyne, Nore, Blackwater, Lee, and Bandon–Ilen, identified by the EPA as a ‘catchments of concern’. These catchments will have tailored action plans with clear targets and timelines to deliver measurable water quality improvements. Collectively, these campaigns are central to improving both local and national water quality.
The Suir Catchment Implementation Group is chaired by Edward Carr, a dairy farmer in the catchment, with ArraTipp and ABP Ireland as joint industry leads. The initiative brings together key stakeholders including farmers, Teagasc, agri-food industries, ACA, LAWPRO, local authorities, and the wider community, supported by a dedicated Teagasc Catchment Coordinator, Claire Mooney. Central to the programme is the implementation of the 8 Actions for Change, focusing on improved nutrient management, farmyard management, and land management practices to enhance water quality.
Speaking at the launch, Director of Research at Teagasc, Professor Pat Dillon said:
“Farmers have an important role to play in protecting and improving water quality in our rivers. In recent years, there are indications that nutrient losses from agriculture to rivers, particularly phosphorus, have reduced. However, there is an urgent requirement to further reduce these nutrient losses, and all farmers have a role to play in this effort. Achieving this will require changes in on-farm practices, including the adoption of the 8 Actions for Change.
“Today, we launch the Suir Catchment Better Farming for Water Action Plan, under which a tailored action plan will set clear targets and timelines for implementing water quality improvement measures. I wish to acknowledge the members of the Suir Catchment Implementation Group Oversight Committee, including its Chair, Edward Carr, who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to support the delivery of this plan.”
Chair of the Suir Catchment Implementation Group, Edward Carr, said:
“As Chair of the Suir Catchment Implementation Group, I am acutely aware of the many farming families who work with pride and commitment throughout the Suir Catchment and who act as custodians of its lands. I farm in Knockmaroe, Milestone, Thurles, County Tipperary, alongside my wife June and our family, supplying milk to ArraTipp, which has ingredient facilities in Nenagh and Tipperary Town. I readily agreed to chair this committee at this critically important juncture for Irish agriculture, as it aims to support and accelerate the adoption of on-farm actions to improve water quality in the River Suir, where agriculture is a significant pressure.”
Stephen Connolly, Agri Sustainability Manager with ABP Ireland added:
“ABP is delighted to act as joint industry lead alongside ArraTipp Co-operative. As you are aware, ABP has a significant presence in Cahir, which is located within the River Suir Catchment. It is encouraging to see this collective, cross-sector effort, bringing together both public and private partners, to address the challenge of improving water quality. ABP looks forward to supporting the programme and ensuring that the meat industry makes a meaningful contribution to improving water quality.”
ArraTipp CEO, Eamon O’Sullivan commented:
“The challenge for agri-food industry in Ireland is to produce food to the highest standards, which provides a viable income for farm families and is also environmentally sustainable. Improving water quality in Ireland is an urgent requirement as highlighted by recent EPA reports and negotiations for the 6th Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and derogation extension to the end of 2028. ArraTipp Co-op is delighted to jointly lead the Suir Catchment Better Farming for Water Campaign with ABP Ireland. Together, and with all stakeholders, we have an opportunity to put in place the necessary actions and supports for farmers to assist in driving water quality improvements across the Suir.”
At the launch, a comprehensive booklet was produced outlining the 6-Pillars of the Suir Catchment Programme that includes stakeholder engagement using a multi-actor approach, building awareness using detailed maps on water quality, upskilling programmes for farmers, advisors, teachers and industry professional, an impactful KT programme, a supporting research programme and a communications plan.
Download a copy of the Suir Catchment Action Plan here: https://teagasc.ie/publications/better-farming-for-water-suir-catchment-action-plan/
A video on the Suir Catchment is available to view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrQYyltxgAk