The aim of the five pilot fora is to work with communities and stakeholders to improve the quality of rivers and their catchment area including the River Boyne Catchment Area.

Community meeting on improving water quality of River Boyne to take place in Navan

Noelle Finegan

Published: Fri 26 Sep 2025, 10:21 AM

An information event on improving the water quality of the River Boyne and its catchment area will take place in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, on Wednesday 1st October at 7.15pm.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, is urging members of the public, local businesses, farmers and recreational water users in Meath to attend the upcoming information event on improving water quality organised by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO).

LAWPRO is set to roll out five pilot catchment community fora to enhance local community engagement in water catchments across the country with the goal of improving water quality.

As part of this drive, they will be hosting the Boyne Catchment Community Forum information evening on Wednesday 1st October at the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, commencing at 7.15pm.

Speaking about the initiative, Minister O’Sullivan said: “I strongly urge members of the public in Meath and along the Boyne catchment to attend the upcoming information event to help shape the upcoming forum in this area. Water quality affects us all. We want to bring together those who live, work, farm or just enjoy these waters. The voices and opinions of all present will set the groundwork for real action on the ground. Through collaboration and engagement with local communities we can take positive action and play a pivotal role to safeguard our most precious waterways for generations to come.”

As well as Meath, information evenings will take place over the next fortnight in Louth, Wexford and Galway to create awareness about the fora, discuss avenues for participation, and encourage interested individuals or members of local community groups to get involved.

The pilots will be evaluated throughout the process to inform a proposal on the rollout of a national Catchment Community Fora model and framework.

Anthony Coleman, Director of Services with LAWPRO said the Fora will give communities a role and a voice: “Healthy rivers, lakes, and coastal waters are vital for every community in Ireland. These pilots are about turning community insights into real action. The fora will give local people a stronger voice in shaping how we protect and restore our water environment. By working together, we can build a model that empowers communities and delivers lasting improvements in water quality,” he said.