06-07-2025
Wexford IFA launch pilot guide to improving water quality
The pilot initiative contains eight actions for change as part of the Better Farming for Water programme. Under three headings – Nutrient Management, Farmyard Management and Land Management – the guide identifies actions to support farmers to achieve higher water quality.
The guide was recently launched at the tillage event on the farm of William and Craig Masterson in Bunclody on Wednesday, July 2.
IFA Environment Chair John Murphy said the Better Farming for Water programme and the Farming for Water EIP are helping farmers to go beyond regulatory requirements to protect and restore water bodies.
'The latter project is open to all farmers with land in priority action areas (PAAs) where targeted water quality improvements are needed,' he said.
He and Jer O' Mahony, the Wexford Environment and Rural Affairs Representative, explained that Wexford farmers recognise that agriculture plays a vital role in achieving the water quality targets set by the Water Framework Directive and are taking proactive steps to protect local water bodies by implementing practical on-farm measures.
This includes improving nutrient management, fencing off watercourses, reducing runoff, and adopting targeted solutions like sediment traps and catch crops.
"These actions are already making a positive impact, with improvements in water quality recorded across the county. By taking action now, we can continue to protect our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters—supporting sustainable farming and clean water for everyone,' they said.
They also highlighted that funding is potentially available to farmers in Co. Wexford under the Farming for Water EIP. This project is a €60 million farmer and advisory led initiative to project and restore water quality. The project is open to all farmers with land in priority action areas (PAAs) and all dairy and tillage farmers in nitrates catchments of concern where targeted water quality improvements are needed.
