Community-led Wexford project maps out long-term protection plan for Ahare River

The local community of Castletown, Co. Wexford recently gathered for the first of a series of workshops included in the Inch Sub-Catchment Feasibility Study, to protect the future of a local river. The Inch Sub-Catchment Feasibility Study was officially presented at Castletown National School recently by the Ahare River and Biodiversity Group and representatives from the River Basin Management Service (RBMS), formerly LAWPRO. The project aims to better understand the Inch sub-catchment, identify opportunities to improve water quality, and develop a long-term community led plan to protect and restore the Ahare River. During the event, attendees heard presentations regarding the project, the work planned over the coming months and the important role residents will play in shaping the study. The Friends of the Ahare River during their meeting at Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown. Photo: Jim Campbell. © Jim Campbell Anne Kearns, a public engagement professional working with the group, introduced the project and explained how the community engagement programme will be carried out. Meanwhile, Cathy Lee of the Ahare River and Biodiversity Group provided background on the initiative and highlighted why community participation is essential, where she emphasised that the health of the Ahare river affects everyone living within the catchment and that local knowledge will be central to the project's success. The community group recognised that some pressures on the river are known - including flooding at Castletown, but said there is a need to build a more comprehensive understanding of the catchment. This includes identifying pollution points, flood areas and important habitats, as well as recreational areas of value to the community, which will enable the catchment to be managed. 1 / 3 Magalin Lytocka, Anne Kearns, Dr Fran Igoe (Regional Coordinator for the Southeast, River Base & Management Service), Cathy Lee, and Mary Bourke were pictured at the Friends of the Ahare River Meeting at Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown. © Jim Campbell 2 / 3 Anne Kearns speaking at the Friends of the Ahare River Meeting at Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown. © Jim Campbell 3 / 3 Cathy Lee is updating the attendees during the Friends of the Ahare River Meeting at Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown. © Jim Campbell The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group is encouraging residents to become involved in the project and contribute their knowledge of the river. 'Key to this work is hearing from local residents. We wish to learn more from those who live locally. We wish to learn about their memories of the river, both good and bad. 'We wish to learn if local residents have noted changes to the river or if they've very fond memories of certain elements of the river they'd want to ensure are protected,' the group said. Dr Fran Igoe (Regional Coordinator for the Southeast, River Base & Management Service) speaking during the Friends of the Ahare River Meeting at Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown. Photo: Jim Campbell. © Jim Campbell Dr Fran Igoe, Southeast Regional Coordinator with the River Basin Management Service (RBMS, formerly LAWPRO) welcomed the initiative and praised the commitment shown by the local community. Dr Igoe said the feasibility study will inform future river management and restoration work within the catchment. This work will be carried out by JBA Consulting, who will be conducting field research on August 24-25 in the sub catchment. A final report will be produced following the consultation process and will help guide future actions to protect and improve water quality within the area. The project is funded by LAWPRO's Community Water Development Fund to the Ahare River and Biodiversity Group to employ consultants to carry out the study. Final preparations are underway for the Castletown River and Nature Festival, which will take place during National Heritage Week. A bat walk and bat box making workshop will take place on Friday, August 21 alongside a 'Wild Child' event. In addition, on Sunday, August 23, there will be plenty of celebrations with a family fun day on Clone Beach.