Louth public invited to join Water Quality Forum in the Oriel Catchment

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is inviting members of the public in Louth, community groups and stakeholders in water quality to express their interest in joining the Oriel Catchment Community Forum.

This is part of an innovative national pilot programme, led by LAWPRO, to enhance public participation in water governance.

Following a well-attended information evening in the Oriel Catchment on 29 September, LAWPRO are now seeking expressions of interest from individuals who wish to join the Catchment Community Forum.

Speaking about the call for expressions of interest, LAWPRO Senior Community Water Officer in the Border region, Andy Hallewell said: “We are asking members of the public to get involved in this community-led movement to protect and restore the Oriel Catchment.

"This is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of the region, collaborate with like-minded individuals and organisations, access support and services from LAWPRO, and contribute to national, regional and local management.”

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Contact Andy Hallewell at ahallewell@lawaters.ie by this Wednesday 29 October 2025, to register your interest.

As one of five pilot areas nationally, the Oriel region, which covers part of Louth, Monaghan and Meath, has been selected on account of its regional significance in the Border area, the nature of the water quality pressures, and the fact that local community groups are active on the ground.

The Oriel Catchment Community Forum will serve as a consultative platform on water quality. It will act as a bridge between communities and decision-makers, provide space for local discussion of water data, support community-led action, and give residents an opportunity to input into the development and evolution of Catchment Management Work Plans.

LAWPRO previously held community consultations and information sessions in the catchment to bring together local voices from the area. That process highlighted both the challenges facing the Oriel Catchment and the strong public desire to collaborate on solutions, resulting in the formation of a Catchment Community Forum.

Expressions of interest are welcome from community organisations, environmental groups, famers and landowners, sports and recreation clubs, local businesses and any other individuals interested in water quality.

This initiative is part of a wider national pilot under Ireland’s Water Action Plan (River Basin Management Plan 2024–2027). The plan, which serves as Ireland’s roadmap for restoring and protecting water quality, calls for the creation of local fora to give communities a stronger role in decisions about water quality.