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The Duncannon Blue Flag Farming and Communities Scheme aims to recover Blue Flag status for Duncannon beach by dealing with pollution from both agricultural and domestic sources.
This project is one of 23 European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs) or locally-led schemes funded by the Department of Agriculture.
It was launched on Tuesday by Junior Minister for Agriculture Andrew Doyle.
Appreciation
“One of the objectives of this scheme is to generate a greater sense of local ownership, responsibility and appreciation for the local water environment in the Duncannon area. Its implementation will, through the co-operation of all local stakeholders, ultimately bring about improved water quality and a better environment in this area,” he said.
The scheme has been allocated €550,000 to improve the bacterial quality of the two coastal streams that flow onto Duncannon beach. This should contribute to the recovery and long-term retention of the blue flag status at Duncannon beach.
One of the objectives of this scheme is to generate a greater sense of local ownership, responsibility and appreciation for the local water environment in the Duncannon area
The scheme applies the Water Framework Directive principles of Integrated Catchment Management where a range of pollution sources are considered.
The operational group for the project is representative of a number of stakeholders and is led by Wexford County Council.
It also includes personnel from Teagasc, local agricultural consultants, Glanbia, Bord Bia, the local farming community and the IFA.
Project funding
A total of €59m is being made available for EIP projects by the Department of Agriculture; €24m of this is allocated to smaller EIP projects chosen by a competitive open call process.
Another €35m is available for the hen harrier and freshwater pearl mussel projects.
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