A new Plan has been introduced to help safeguard water resources in Ireland's South West.

Uisce Éireann has adopted the Regional Water Resources Plan – South West (RWRP-SW).

The National Water Resources Plan (NWRP) is Ireland's first 25-year strategic plan enabling the move towards safe, secure, reliable, and sustainable public water supplies for all customers and communities, whilst safeguarding public health and the environment.  

Following on from the adoption of the NWRP draft Framework Plan and associated reports in 2021, the NWRP was split into four separate regional plans and, following a public consultation on the second regional plan, the RWRP-SW has been updated and adopted by Uisce Éireann along with a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Statement and an Appropriate Assessment Determination.

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Commenting on the RWRP-SW final Framework Plan, Máiréad Conlon, Regional Water Treatment Planning Specialist with Uisce Éireann said: "Safeguarding Ireland's precious water resources is a top priority for Uisce Éireann. With increasing pressure to meet the current demand for water as a result of population growth, climate change, and our changing environmental regulations, it is essential that we plan ahead. The Regional Water Resources Plan – South West will enable us to do that in a sustainable way, whilst also supporting economic development and population growth across the region.

"How we choose to plan our water resources today will determine the water supply we can provide now and into the future. The Three Pillar approach of 'Use Less', 'Lose Less' and 'Supply Smarter' allows Uisce Éireann to consider the broadest possible range of solutions through the development of the regional plans. We would like to thank everyone who made a submission to the consultation process. The Regional Water Resource Plan - South West is the second of our regional plans and has now been adopted."