Agri schemes combine to increase water protection funding along the River Tay
Combined and enhanced funding schemes for farmers to protect water quality along the River Tay in Waterford was the focus of a well-attended meeting in St Brigid’s Community Centre in Kilrossanty where varied options and measures available to farmers were outlined.
Most farmers are familiar with the agri-environmental schemes such as ACRES and ACRES Co-operation (CP) schemes. However, some farmers may not be aware of the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) which has €50million available in funding for forty-three different measures specifically targeted at protecting rivers and the wildlife they support in priority areas for action such as the Tay, Mahon and Dalligan.
This meeting in Kilrossanty was centred around raising awareness of these schemes and promoted joined up working to help better protect the environment and provide additional funding that would benefit farmers.
“What we are trying to do here is be smart – smart for the environment and smart for the farmer. We can see an opportunity for certain areas in County Waterford, where both schemes can apply. So, we feel we should try and roll out both schemes in tandem for maximum benefit. Obviously, we cannot fund the same measure twice, but there are lots that we can fund separately from the two schemes. This approach is the first one in the country to try and combine efforts of both schemes,” said Padraig Cronin, ACRES South Connaught and Munster.
Daniel Hayden of the Farming for Water EIP, explained the measures available through the project and outlined which ones would be most suited to farmers and their landholdings in Killrossanty. Daniel emphasised: “The project will support farmers through the ASSAP programme and farm advisors are on hand to help. There are forty-three measures to choose from and some of them, such as hedgerow planting, slurry testing, riparian margins, willow bed planting, silt traps and lots more, are relevant to this area,” he said.
Daniel also outlined how the Farming for Water EIP works. The farm advisor from ASSAP- either from Teagasc or dairy ASSAP which is mostly Tirlán in this area, – will walk the land with the farmer and together draw up a simple Rainwater Management Plan based on how water moves across the holding during wet weather – this is the only mandatory measure in the project and it gives the farmer a clear understanding of how water moves and what measures could be best deployed to help protect and improve water quality. The farmer is paid €250 to draw up this plan while the application advice and form filling are free of charge.
The project acknowledges that the farmer knows their land best and will know where rainwater preferentially flows and where pollution risk hotspots might be. Often the farmer will know best about biodiversity on the farm and they are encouraged to take that into account too and to protect it. That is where ACRES comes in, providing funding for biodiversity measures.
Daniel Heyden of the Farming for Water EIP speaking at the meeting.
Several farmers speaking at the event, commended the approach which they said recognised that the farmers are central to schemes in the sense of identifying the most suitable measures for their land to manage water flowing across their fields and yards. They also said that they particularly liked the practical approach being adopted.
“What we are trying to do is work with everybody – not only farmers but the wider community as well -to restore and protect water quality for all living in the area, whether it is for drinking, shellfish production in the bays, or clean water for swimming at Clonee and Stradbally beaches. By us all working together it will be possible for us to do this and therefore it would be great if we can make ACRES CP and Farming for Water EIP working together a success,” said Dr. Fran Igoe Regional Coordinator, LAWPRO.
The River Tay is one of the most important rivers in County Waterford for several reasons. It is a key drinking water source for Stradbally; it is an important sea trout and salmon river; and of course, the beach at Stradbally is vital for holiday makers and tourists.
Dr. Igoe explained: “LAWPRO is working with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Waterford County Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Sea Fisheries Authority, and lots of other agencies to help protect water quality and this is central to that work. The Water Action Plan 2024 is worth a look, for anyone interested on how Ireland aims to protect water over the coming years. Either way, this is all about making a better environment for us all to live in. This represents a real opportunity for farmers in the area to get involved and to play their part,” he said.
If you are farming in the areas and are interested in the project, further information is available at farmingforwater.ie (phone 062 33063);or talk to your local ASSAP or Teagasc representative; or the ACRES team representative on 085 838 4839 – email: [email protected]