INSPIRE Water Framework Directive River Basin Districts

Cycle 1 identified eight river basin districts (RBDs) on the island of Ireland for the purpose of implementing the Directive. Three of these were shared with Northern Ireland (Shannon, Neagh Bann and North Western), four RBDs were wholly within the state (Eastern, South Eastern, South Western and Western) and one was wholly within Northern Ireland (North Eastern). Development of the river basin management plans has involved a coordinated effort across a wide range of organisations, including a high level of coordination with the authorities in Northern Ireland in relation to the cross-border RBDs.

A key requirement of the Directive is public participation and a number of major public consultations have contributed towards development of the plans.