EIP report on sustainable restoration of water quality and community relations

The Duncannon Blue Flag Farming & Communities Scheme EIP aimed to improve the water quality of Duncannon's bathing waters and river systems in Co. Wexford by addressing agricultural and domestic pollution while safeguarding farm incomes. The project focused on i) sustainably restoring, protecting, and enhancing the water quality by reducing faecal bacteria, nutrients, and sediment losses from rural agricultural and domestic activities and ii) fostering collaboration between farmers and householders in the catchment, particularly about water quality and local biodiversity. The project activities included providing participating farmers with Pollution Potential Zone (PPZ) maps of their farms identifying the risk of nutrient and sediment runoff from fields and farmyards. These maps formed the basis of individualised PPZ plans to mitigate these risks. Farmers were provided with continuous advisory support to help implement the recommended measures in their PPZ plans. A scoring system was introduced to encourage farmers to reduce pollution risks. Payments were graduated based on risk levels, with higher payments for those reducing risks to the greatest extent. Funding was available to help farmers implement pollution-reducing measures, such as upgrading infrastructure or modifying practices. The project monitored changes in farm practices and water quality in the catchment area, tracking the effectiveness of the measures. Inspections of domestic wastewater systems were conducted throughout the project, resulting in remedial work on nearly 50% of the sites, improving wastewater treatment across the catchment. A range of activities fostered community-wide engagement, instilling a sense of local ownership, responsibility, and appreciation for the water environment and its biodiversity. The Duncannon Blue Flag Scheme successfully built stronger connections between farmers, householders, and the environment, creating lasting improvements in water quality while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and community-driven conservation.