Public invited to have their say on Boyne catchment water quality in Meath
Meath residents are being urged to attend a public meeting in Navan to help shape the future of the Boyne catchment and improve local water quality.
The event, organised by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), will outline plans for the new Boyne Catchment Community Forum, part of a series of national pilot projects aimed at strengthening community involvement in protecting Ireland’s waterways.
Minister of State for Heritage, Nature and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said the Boyne meeting offers a vital opportunity for the community to influence water quality initiatives.
“I strongly urge members of the public in Meath and along the Boyne catchment to attend the upcoming information event to help shape the forum in this area,” he said.
“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.”
LAWPRO is launching five pilot Catchment Community Fora across the country, including the Boyne, Slaney, Mal Bay, Galway Bay SE, and Newry-Fane Glyde-Dee catchments.
Each forum will run from November 2025 to January 2027, with lessons learned feeding into the design of a national model for community engagement in water protection.
The River Boyne is one of Meath’s most important natural assets, supporting farming, tourism, biodiversity and community recreation.
Improving water quality is seen as essential to safeguard habitats, reduce pollution and protect the region’s environment for future generations.
Anthony Coleman, Director of Services with LAWPRO, highlighted the importance of local input.
He said: “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.”
The event in Navan takes place on Wednesday, October 1 at 7.30pm in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan.