Master plan for water framework directive activities in Ireland leading to River Basin Management Plans Original Research Article

The water framework directive master plan (WFDMP) in Ireland is being developed jointly by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the River Basin District (RBD) competent authorities (namely lead Local Authorities) and stakeholders including the relevant public authorities. The WFDMP was recently adopted by the National Technical Coordination Group (NTCG) and has been uploaded onto the website (www.wfdireland.ie) as the fundamental document coordinating WFD related activities in Ireland leading to the River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). There are eight River Basin Districts (RBD) covering the entire island of Ireland and accordingly there will be eight River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). Key elements of the new ecological approach to adaptive management of water resources are in focus namely public participation and integrated water resources planning.