Manged by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), Peaceplus is a partnership between the European Union, the Irish and British governments, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

A total of €20,984,992.96 has been granted to support cross border cooperation in the management and improvement of water quality. The projects aim to implement nature-based solutions to retore catchments, reduce run off and nutrient loss, and mitigate the impacts of flooding.

The Protecting Shared Water Project, led by Northern Ireland Water at a cost of €7.5 million, focuses on restoring peatland in the Murrins, Glenhordial, and Glencurry catchments. It will also upgrade the fish pass at Lough Muckno Weir in Co. Monaghan.

While the second project, CALM (€8 million), led by the East Border Region, seeks to improve water quality and ecosystem health in cross border river catchments, including converting slurry into biomethane and fertiliser.

Lastly, the FLOW project (€5.2 million), led by the Irish Central Border Area Network, will enhance water quality in catchments such as Lough Melvin, Lough MacNean, and the Cladagh River.

“As we know, water does not recognise borders and it is only through sustained collaboration and partnership working that we will realise improvements in water quality”, Andrew Muir, Stormont Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said.

“The shared approach of these projects embodies what is needed to improve water quality in a sustainable manner”, James Browne, Minister of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, added. “It involves the whole community, from local authorities to the farming sector, to those in the wider community and schoolchildren.”

“Strategic cross border investment can only enhance and protect the environment while strengthening the economy”, Gina McIntyre, SEUPB Chief Executive, concluded. “A truly collaborative approach to the management and improvement of water quality in Northern Ireland and the border countries of Ireland is key, so community awareness and education are essential to ensure that everyone can play their part protecting our environment.”