Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
@swanireland.ie
Network of 25 of Ireland’s leading local & national environmental groups, working together to protect Ireland’s rivers, lakes, bays, seas & groundwaters.
https://swanireland.ie/
https://swanireland.ie/
A ‘national embarrassment’: Ireland in breach of multiple water quality rules, court finds
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
A ‘national embarrassment’: Ireland in breach of multiple water quality rules, court finds
European Court of Justice ruling raises questions about Government’s system of water charges
www.irishtimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:34 PM
A ‘national embarrassment’: Ireland in breach of multiple water quality rules, court finds
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
Ireland once again in the dock, for issues that @antaisce.bsky.social & SWAN have long highlighted as being legally problematic.
Amongst other serious issues, this judgement highlights that the arterial drainage act is not compliant with the WFD.
Time to give that archaic legislation the boot!
Amongst other serious issues, this judgement highlights that the arterial drainage act is not compliant with the WFD.
Time to give that archaic legislation the boot!
BREAKING: EU's top court has ruled that Ireland has widespread non-compliance with EU's main water law e.g. a lack of regulation on physical damage to our waters, & poor monitoring & control of water abstractions.
We face daily fines & further decline if not fixed.
swanireland.ie/2025/11/land...
We face daily fines & further decline if not fixed.
swanireland.ie/2025/11/land...
Landmark EU water ruling shows systemic and abject failure of Irish government to protect water - Sustainable Water Network
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), a network of 25 environmental organisations, has welcomed yesterday’s European Court of Justice ruling [1] that Ireland is in breach of its obligations under the ...
swanireland.ie
November 21, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Ireland once again in the dock, for issues that @antaisce.bsky.social & SWAN have long highlighted as being legally problematic.
Amongst other serious issues, this judgement highlights that the arterial drainage act is not compliant with the WFD.
Time to give that archaic legislation the boot!
Amongst other serious issues, this judgement highlights that the arterial drainage act is not compliant with the WFD.
Time to give that archaic legislation the boot!
BREAKING: EU's top court has ruled that Ireland has widespread non-compliance with EU's main water law e.g. a lack of regulation on physical damage to our waters, & poor monitoring & control of water abstractions.
We face daily fines & further decline if not fixed.
swanireland.ie/2025/11/land...
We face daily fines & further decline if not fixed.
swanireland.ie/2025/11/land...
Landmark EU water ruling shows systemic and abject failure of Irish government to protect water - Sustainable Water Network
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN), a network of 25 environmental organisations, has welcomed yesterday’s European Court of Justice ruling [1] that Ireland is in breach of its obligations under the ...
swanireland.ie
November 21, 2025 at 5:13 PM
BREAKING: EU's top court has ruled that Ireland has widespread non-compliance with EU's main water law e.g. a lack of regulation on physical damage to our waters, & poor monitoring & control of water abstractions.
We face daily fines & further decline if not fixed.
swanireland.ie/2025/11/land...
We face daily fines & further decline if not fixed.
swanireland.ie/2025/11/land...
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
The Atlantic Salmon has one of nature's great migrations. Right now, they're at the end of their long journey and arriving back to their ancestral rivers.
But in the past 5 decades, their population in Irish waters has dropped by 90% 😞 Without change, we risk losing this iconic fish altogether.
But in the past 5 decades, their population in Irish waters has dropped by 90% 😞 Without change, we risk losing this iconic fish altogether.
More footage of wild Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) running in the upper River Mulkear catchment last week. These fish are on their upstream spawning migration.
This is part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and salmon are a Qualifying Interest of this Natura 2000 site.
This is part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and salmon are a Qualifying Interest of this Natura 2000 site.
November 20, 2025 at 2:04 PM
The Atlantic Salmon has one of nature's great migrations. Right now, they're at the end of their long journey and arriving back to their ancestral rivers.
But in the past 5 decades, their population in Irish waters has dropped by 90% 😞 Without change, we risk losing this iconic fish altogether.
But in the past 5 decades, their population in Irish waters has dropped by 90% 😞 Without change, we risk losing this iconic fish altogether.
The Atlantic Salmon has one of nature's great migrations. Right now, they're at the end of their long journey and arriving back to their ancestral rivers.
But in the past 5 decades, their population in Irish waters has dropped by 90% 😞 Without change, we risk losing this iconic fish altogether.
But in the past 5 decades, their population in Irish waters has dropped by 90% 😞 Without change, we risk losing this iconic fish altogether.
More footage of wild Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) running in the upper River Mulkear catchment last week. These fish are on their upstream spawning migration.
This is part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and salmon are a Qualifying Interest of this Natura 2000 site.
This is part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and salmon are a Qualifying Interest of this Natura 2000 site.
November 20, 2025 at 2:04 PM
The Atlantic Salmon has one of nature's great migrations. Right now, they're at the end of their long journey and arriving back to their ancestral rivers.
But in the past 5 decades, their population in Irish waters has dropped by 90% 😞 Without change, we risk losing this iconic fish altogether.
But in the past 5 decades, their population in Irish waters has dropped by 90% 😞 Without change, we risk losing this iconic fish altogether.
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
On one side of the screen nitrate and phosphate pollution. On the other the amount of derogation farms. A picture says a thousand words. #SaveLadysIslandLake
November 17, 2025 at 7:23 PM
On one side of the screen nitrate and phosphate pollution. On the other the amount of derogation farms. A picture says a thousand words. #SaveLadysIslandLake
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
"Grass-based systems on free draining soil one of the main drivers of nitrate pollution" @elainemcgoff.bsky.social
Cautions about the efficacy of buffer zones because the nitrate is going straight down into the soil. Useful for other issues, but not for nitrogen.
Cautions about the efficacy of buffer zones because the nitrate is going straight down into the soil. Useful for other issues, but not for nitrogen.
November 17, 2025 at 7:29 PM
"Grass-based systems on free draining soil one of the main drivers of nitrate pollution" @elainemcgoff.bsky.social
Cautions about the efficacy of buffer zones because the nitrate is going straight down into the soil. Useful for other issues, but not for nitrogen.
Cautions about the efficacy of buffer zones because the nitrate is going straight down into the soil. Useful for other issues, but not for nitrogen.
We can't have healthy rivers and seas without a safe climate ✊
Hoping to see lots of people on the streets of Dublin this Saturday!
November 13, 2025 at 9:43 AM
We can't have healthy rivers and seas without a safe climate ✊
Beautiful, sombre article from @miseanja.bsky.social about the epic migration of Atlantic Salmon - and the human pressures putting this all at risk.
"I wonder if 25 years from now ... will there be any wild salmon left to spawn in Irish rivers."
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ou...
"I wonder if 25 years from now ... will there be any wild salmon left to spawn in Irish rivers."
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ou...
Anja Murray: Epic migration of Atlantic salmon in jeopardy
Wild salmon can leap as high as three metres. Perhaps our ancient forbears were aware of the benefits of the rich fatty acids found in salmon flesh that can help our brains to function well, which wou...
www.irishexaminer.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Beautiful, sombre article from @miseanja.bsky.social about the epic migration of Atlantic Salmon - and the human pressures putting this all at risk.
"I wonder if 25 years from now ... will there be any wild salmon left to spawn in Irish rivers."
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ou...
"I wonder if 25 years from now ... will there be any wild salmon left to spawn in Irish rivers."
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ou...
Good to see Jennifer Whitmore TD and Holly Cairns TD bravely speak up for water quality & the environment by pointing out how the nitrates derogation is contributing to the declining health of our rivers, lakes, estuaries & seas. Half of which are already unhealthy.
www.agriland.ie/farming-news...
www.agriland.ie/farming-news...
www.agriland.ie
November 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Good to see Jennifer Whitmore TD and Holly Cairns TD bravely speak up for water quality & the environment by pointing out how the nitrates derogation is contributing to the declining health of our rivers, lakes, estuaries & seas. Half of which are already unhealthy.
www.agriland.ie/farming-news...
www.agriland.ie/farming-news...
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
'Hijacked'? 'Pushing an agenda'? It's called EU law, namely the Habitats Directive, it's been in place for decades, & like most laws Ireland is failing to do that well, while our biodiversity pays the price.
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
November 10, 2025 at 11:51 AM
'Hijacked'? 'Pushing an agenda'? It's called EU law, namely the Habitats Directive, it's been in place for decades, & like most laws Ireland is failing to do that well, while our biodiversity pays the price.
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
"Ireland’s clean-water reputation wasn’t lost overnight, and it won’t be restored easily. It will take evidence, alignment, and honesty about the trade-offs.
The next decade will decide whether we turn the tide, or just learn to swim in murkier waters."
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
The next decade will decide whether we turn the tide, or just learn to swim in murkier waters."
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Bill will eventually arrive if we continue to trade environmental relief for short-term relief
Decisions made in Brussels and Dublin over the next few years will shape our rivers, lakes, and coasts for decades to come, writes Jenny Lawler
www.irishexaminer.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:34 PM
"Ireland’s clean-water reputation wasn’t lost overnight, and it won’t be restored easily. It will take evidence, alignment, and honesty about the trade-offs.
The next decade will decide whether we turn the tide, or just learn to swim in murkier waters."
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
The next decade will decide whether we turn the tide, or just learn to swim in murkier waters."
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
For those in any doubt, the ongoing nitrates derogation debate is not about the science on water quality, it's political wrangling, with our rivers, lakes and seas caught in the crossfire.
Our waterways deserve better- one can't drink politics.
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
Our waterways deserve better- one can't drink politics.
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
November 6, 2025 at 9:19 AM
For those in any doubt, the ongoing nitrates derogation debate is not about the science on water quality, it's political wrangling, with our rivers, lakes and seas caught in the crossfire.
Our waterways deserve better- one can't drink politics.
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
Our waterways deserve better- one can't drink politics.
www.rte.ie/news/politic...
“Each square shows that when we weave our stories together, we create something stronger and more beautiful than any of us could alone.”
A powerful message is travelling to Cop30 in the form of this amazing quilt, made by climate & nature groups across Ireland 💙
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
A powerful message is travelling to Cop30 in the form of this amazing quilt, made by climate & nature groups across Ireland 💙
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Quilt woven by Irish groups sends message of solidarity to Cop30 climate summit
Former president of Ireland Mary Robinson will present quilt to Brazilian climate minister
www.irishtimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:21 AM
“Each square shows that when we weave our stories together, we create something stronger and more beautiful than any of us could alone.”
A powerful message is travelling to Cop30 in the form of this amazing quilt, made by climate & nature groups across Ireland 💙
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
A powerful message is travelling to Cop30 in the form of this amazing quilt, made by climate & nature groups across Ireland 💙
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
@saveladyislandlake.bsky.social hosting important public meeting at 7pm on Nov 17 at Lady’s Island Community Centre on nitrate pollution.
An Taisce's Head of Advocacy & freshwater expert @elainemcgoff.bsky.social will be speaking on the science behind this ecological crisis.
#SaveLadysIslandLake
An Taisce's Head of Advocacy & freshwater expert @elainemcgoff.bsky.social will be speaking on the science behind this ecological crisis.
#SaveLadysIslandLake
November 3, 2025 at 12:06 PM
@saveladyislandlake.bsky.social hosting important public meeting at 7pm on Nov 17 at Lady’s Island Community Centre on nitrate pollution.
An Taisce's Head of Advocacy & freshwater expert @elainemcgoff.bsky.social will be speaking on the science behind this ecological crisis.
#SaveLadysIslandLake
An Taisce's Head of Advocacy & freshwater expert @elainemcgoff.bsky.social will be speaking on the science behind this ecological crisis.
#SaveLadysIslandLake
“The Government made a commitment to introduce vital Marine Protected Area (MPA) legislation in 2023, but this has yet to be delivered. Lack of political will is the biggest barrier we face."
Great spotlight on @fairseas.ie work to protect Ireland's seas 👇
www.independent.ie/life/climate...
Great spotlight on @fairseas.ie work to protect Ireland's seas 👇
www.independent.ie/life/climate...
Climate Changemakers: ‘We want 30pc of Ireland’s seas given protected status by 2030’
Ireland’s marine territory covers over 220 million acres, about 10 times the size of the island of Ireland. However, only about one tenth of this vast area is protected in law.
www.independent.ie
November 3, 2025 at 9:59 AM
“The Government made a commitment to introduce vital Marine Protected Area (MPA) legislation in 2023, but this has yet to be delivered. Lack of political will is the biggest barrier we face."
Great spotlight on @fairseas.ie work to protect Ireland's seas 👇
www.independent.ie/life/climate...
Great spotlight on @fairseas.ie work to protect Ireland's seas 👇
www.independent.ie/life/climate...
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
Urban wastewater treatment is the 4th greatest pressure on Irish water quality. Some of that could be fixed by infrastructure, but almost half of the pollution is due to poor operational management.
The solution is not less environmental scrutiny.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
The solution is not less environmental scrutiny.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
November 3, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Urban wastewater treatment is the 4th greatest pressure on Irish water quality. Some of that could be fixed by infrastructure, but almost half of the pollution is due to poor operational management.
The solution is not less environmental scrutiny.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
The solution is not less environmental scrutiny.
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
For years, @coastwatch-ire.bsky.social have been coordinating citizen scientists to survey seagrass habitat around Ireland.
Now, they've published a new national map of seagrass beds, helping provide the data needed to protect these vital ecosystems 👏👏
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ou...
Now, they've published a new national map of seagrass beds, helping provide the data needed to protect these vital ecosystems 👏👏
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ou...
Anja Murray: Seagrass meadows and other Irish marine life marvels
Dublin lifeguard and diver, Gordon Leonard, saw a seagrass bed just at the shore in Sandycove, County Dublin. He reported the find to Coastwatch Ireland who identified the seagrass he had found as a s...
www.irishexaminer.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:53 AM
For years, @coastwatch-ire.bsky.social have been coordinating citizen scientists to survey seagrass habitat around Ireland.
Now, they've published a new national map of seagrass beds, helping provide the data needed to protect these vital ecosystems 👏👏
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ou...
Now, they've published a new national map of seagrass beds, helping provide the data needed to protect these vital ecosystems 👏👏
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/ou...
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
Over half of farms in West Cork fail pollution inspections. Clearly the fear of losing the nitrates derogation is not sufficient motivation to change behaviour.
www.southernstar.ie/farming/over...
www.southernstar.ie/farming/over...
Over half of West Cork farms fail council water inspections | The Southern Star
A total of 55% of farms across the West Cork district have failed in National Agricultural Inspection Programme (NAIP) Inspections carried out by Cork County Council, the latest report shows.
www.southernstar.ie
October 30, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Over half of farms in West Cork fail pollution inspections. Clearly the fear of losing the nitrates derogation is not sufficient motivation to change behaviour.
www.southernstar.ie/farming/over...
www.southernstar.ie/farming/over...
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
Healthy seas = healthy people 🐳 🎣
We need legislation on Marine Protected Areas. Now.
Sign the @fairseas.ie petition. Add your name. Add the pressure 📢
only.one/act/30x30-ir...
#FairSeas
#OceanAction
#Petition
We need legislation on Marine Protected Areas. Now.
Sign the @fairseas.ie petition. Add your name. Add the pressure 📢
only.one/act/30x30-ir...
#FairSeas
#OceanAction
#Petition
Call on Ireland’s Government to Protect its Seas
We are at a critical moment for the future of Ireland’s seas. It's time that the Irish Government enact a strong Marine Protected Area law without further delay.
only.one
October 29, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Healthy seas = healthy people 🐳 🎣
We need legislation on Marine Protected Areas. Now.
Sign the @fairseas.ie petition. Add your name. Add the pressure 📢
only.one/act/30x30-ir...
#FairSeas
#OceanAction
#Petition
We need legislation on Marine Protected Areas. Now.
Sign the @fairseas.ie petition. Add your name. Add the pressure 📢
only.one/act/30x30-ir...
#FairSeas
#OceanAction
#Petition
Great to see farmers, landowners, anglers, ecologists + community members coming together to reverse decades of pollution at Lough Carra.
The community is halfway through its 5 year plan and momentum is only growing!
www.rte.ie/news/connach...
The community is halfway through its 5 year plan and momentum is only growing!
www.rte.ie/news/connach...
Locals, experts combine to protect Mayo lake's ecosystem
A major community effort is under way in Co Mayo, to safeguard the ecosystem around Lough Carra.
www.rte.ie
October 29, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Great to see farmers, landowners, anglers, ecologists + community members coming together to reverse decades of pollution at Lough Carra.
The community is halfway through its 5 year plan and momentum is only growing!
www.rte.ie/news/connach...
The community is halfway through its 5 year plan and momentum is only growing!
www.rte.ie/news/connach...
Lough Derg is drifting towards the fate of Lough Neagh, that once great lake now all but dead.
Great article by @ellamcsweeney.bsky.social 👇
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Great article by @ellamcsweeney.bsky.social 👇
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Ella McSweeney: Lough Derg is drifting towards the same fate as Lough Neagh
Lough Derg has been so reshaped by pollution that its original character is almost impossible to discern
www.irishtimes.com
October 25, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Lough Derg is drifting towards the fate of Lough Neagh, that once great lake now all but dead.
Great article by @ellamcsweeney.bsky.social 👇
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Great article by @ellamcsweeney.bsky.social 👇
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Dec 2020 - Uisce Eireann fined just €2000 for pollution incident in Cavan River.
Feb and July 2023 more pollution incidents from UE on same river. UE fined just €3500 for July incident resulting in fish kil.
Paltry fines not working.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Feb and July 2023 more pollution incidents from UE on same river. UE fined just €3500 for July incident resulting in fish kil.
Paltry fines not working.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
IFI welcomes conviction against Uisce Éireann for sewage pollution of Cavan river
Fine, costs and expenses totalling €7,658 imposed on utility
www.irishtimes.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Dec 2020 - Uisce Eireann fined just €2000 for pollution incident in Cavan River.
Feb and July 2023 more pollution incidents from UE on same river. UE fined just €3500 for July incident resulting in fish kil.
Paltry fines not working.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
Feb and July 2023 more pollution incidents from UE on same river. UE fined just €3500 for July incident resulting in fish kil.
Paltry fines not working.
www.irishtimes.com/environment/...
EPA report - despite improvements about a 3rd of local authorities are still not meeting the required standards for water enforcement for farmyards, farmland & discharge licenses/misconnections (no improvement here!) Not good enough!
www.epa.ie/publications...
www.epa.ie/publications...
www.epa.ie
October 23, 2025 at 7:15 AM
EPA report - despite improvements about a 3rd of local authorities are still not meeting the required standards for water enforcement for farmyards, farmland & discharge licenses/misconnections (no improvement here!) Not good enough!
www.epa.ie/publications...
www.epa.ie/publications...
Reposted by Sustainable Water Network (SWAN)
Small Fish, Big Impact.
🌊 Last week, Grace, our Marine Advocacy Officer, spoke at an Ocean Week event in the EU Parliament.
She highlighted the underlying issues in achieving sustainable inshore fisheries in Irish waters.
@fairseas.ie @seasatrisk.bsky.social #EUOceanWeek #FairSeas
🌊 Last week, Grace, our Marine Advocacy Officer, spoke at an Ocean Week event in the EU Parliament.
She highlighted the underlying issues in achieving sustainable inshore fisheries in Irish waters.
@fairseas.ie @seasatrisk.bsky.social #EUOceanWeek #FairSeas
October 21, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Small Fish, Big Impact.
🌊 Last week, Grace, our Marine Advocacy Officer, spoke at an Ocean Week event in the EU Parliament.
She highlighted the underlying issues in achieving sustainable inshore fisheries in Irish waters.
@fairseas.ie @seasatrisk.bsky.social #EUOceanWeek #FairSeas
🌊 Last week, Grace, our Marine Advocacy Officer, spoke at an Ocean Week event in the EU Parliament.
She highlighted the underlying issues in achieving sustainable inshore fisheries in Irish waters.
@fairseas.ie @seasatrisk.bsky.social #EUOceanWeek #FairSeas