The East Border Region local authority led cross border group has been successful in securing over €8 million investment to fund the CALM Project.
This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) under Investment Area 5.3 Water Quality: Promoting access to water and sustainable water management
Catchment Action for Local Management (CALM), addresses critical environmental challenges within cross border river catchments across the region. The project is focusing on nature recovery, innovation, invasive species control, and operational strategies for nutrient management. The project encompasses comprehensive measures to mitigate nutrient access, restore habitats, and foster community engagement.
The CALM Project partnership includes East Border Region (EBR) as the Lead Partner, Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Council, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Loughs Agency and Ulster University.
The primary challenge addressed by this project is the excess nutrient load in watercourses, which leads to water pollution, habitat degradation, and loss of biodiversity in river catchments. This issue is exacerbated by agricultural practices, erosion, and inadequate waste management, posing significant environmental and public health risks.
The project’s overall objective is to enhance water quality and ecosystem health in cross-border river catchments by reducing nutrient and sediment loads. The expected changes include:
- Improved water quality in targeted catchments.
- Development of a catchment strategy dealing with nutrients.
- Increased community awareness and engagement in water management.
- Development of sustainable nutrient management practices.
- Produce a robust water chemistry monitoring campaign.
The Chairman of East Border Region, Ald Alan McDowell stated “EBR are absolutely delighted to be Lead Partner on this exciting cross border project. It will help to address critical environmental challenges within cross border catchments by a combination of science-based interventions and increased community awareness and engagement in water management”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “Strategic cross-border investment can only enhance and protect the environment while strengthening the economy.
“A truly collaborative approach to the management and improvement of water quality in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland is key, so community awareness and education are essential to ensure that everyone can play their part in protecting our environment.
“The transboundary nature of water bodies across the programme area presents an opportunity for strategic collaboration. This funding will help facilitate the development and implementation of cross-border best practice and technical expertise to improve water quality across the area while strengthening relationships and embedding collaboration.”
Any queries please contact: Dette Hughes, Programme Manager East Border Region dette@eastborderregion.com Tel; 07793824538