A delegation from Clare County Council are Denmark-bound this week, on fact-finding mission to study Danish water management practices.

The council's Environment and Emergency Services and Consumer Protection Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) will travel to Odense, Denmark, prior to producing River Basin Management Plans, under the EU Water Framework Directive.

All Irish county and city councils must produce a framework by mid-October 2009.

The process is due to commence when draft plans are published in December 2008.

Denmark was selected as a suitable country to visit because of its similarity to Ireland in population, area, length of coastline, urban-rural mix, and climate, as well as its accessibility.

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To implement the EU Water Framework Directive, each member state selected one river basin as a pilot area to ensure that similar practices were applied in all countries; the Danish pilot river basin was Odense.

SPC Chair Patricia McCarthy said: "This is a major issue facing the Council and it is important that policy makers are well informed and this visit to Odense will help in developing best practice."

Sean Ward, Senior Engineer Environment & Emergency Services Directorate, said: "This visit to another country similar to Ireland will give particular useful insights into how Clare County Council should implement the Water Framework Directive."

Subjects on the study trip schedule are as follows:

• Overview of Odense Pilot River Basin Project
• Implementation of the Water Framework Directive
• Management of lakes and rivers
• Management of bathing water
• Water supply in Odense
• Catchment protection
• Groundwater treatment
• Waste water treatment

The Directive aims to provide a new, strengthened system for the protection and improvement of water resources and water-dependent ecosystems.

(PR/JM)