The national statutory body representative of all stakeholders with an interest in the quality of Ireland’s water resources
The National Water Forum, as the only statutory body established to advise the Minister on water policy and management in Ireland, provides stakeholder input into policy development. With 27 members representing 16 sectors including agriculture, angling, business, community and voluntary sector, domestic water consumers, education, environment, fisheries, forestry, recreation, rivers trusts, rural water, social housing, tourism, trade unions and youth, a wide variety of perspectives are facilitated to contribute to policy.
Policy positions are grounded in the most recent scientific data, input from agency experts, academic knowledge and commissioned research and consensus is achieved through dialogue and informed debate. The diverse primary views find common ground on policies, technical, governance and community solutions to provide a strong independent voice on water quality, water conservation and future proofing.
We communicate our positions through policy submissions, webinars, conferences, workshops and newsletters. We publish research reports and education and awareness resources and all are available on this website.
Our fundamental aim is to strengthen democratic input into decision making regarding water as a fundamental asset and to protect this precious gift for future generations to enjoy.
Dr Matt Crowe
To help ensure Ireland’s waters remain clean, healthy and life enhancing, supporting biodiversity and providing a basis for community wellbeing and economic sustainability.
To provide a platform for the stakeholders of water quality, where the members draw on their various perspectives and expertise to address the challenges and agree governance, societal and technical policies and solutions to achieve clean and healthy waters.
The Water Forum is the national statutory body representative of all stakeholders with an interest in the quality of Ireland’s water bodies. It consists of 27 members including representatives from a wide range of organisations with direct connections to issues relating to water quality and also public water consumers.
