1 Environmental Services Training Group LOCAL AUTHORITY ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE 2016 Future Challenges and Opportunities for the Environment Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, May 2016.

Challenges (& Opportunities) Facing Local Authorities in Implementing the Water Framework Directive Ray Spain Local Authority Waters & Communities Office

but first Water Framework Directive “Water is not a commercial product like any other but, rather, a heritage which must be protected, defended and treated as such.” “We use nature because it is valuable; we lose it because it is free!” Pavan Sukhdev

Challenges Governance ( multiple agencies ) Competing functions Resources One size fits all approach WFD deadlines Multi – disciplinary New Science Public Participation

Challenges Its not about water quality! Its not about the WFD! It about PEOPLE………..

PEOPLE and Water an opportunity Bathing WatersAgriculture Parks / walking / cyclingTourism Water Sports Boating Nature / Biodiversity Angling Drinking Water Industry Water is Life

PEOPLE and Water an opportunity Group Water Schemes Farmers B & B’s Tidy Towns Angling Clubs Hotels Pride of Place Agri Industry Chamber of Commerce Artisan Foods Water is LOCAL……..

The role of People……. Industry - REPUTATION is everything……

The role of People……. ENVIRONMENT and FOOD SECURITY areas TOP the list of important CAUSES for COMPANIES to SUPPORT

Growing the success of Irish food & horticulture Irish food seen to have strong Sustainability credentials “Superquinn built a reputation for high quality local food, can not achieve this without good local food suppliers” The fact that an Irish farm was chosen as the McDonalds Flagship Farm for beef in Europe indicates Irish farms are doing good things and can farm in a sustainable way …green and natural…...we now need to prove & improve % of all agricultural production is exported - €10.8b

The role of People……. TOURISM FACTS 2014 – Expenditure by tourists visiting Ireland (including receipts paid to Irish carriers by foreign visitors) was estimated to be worth €5.1 billion in 2014 – Combining spending by international tourists with the money spent by Irish residents taking trips here, total tourism expenditure in 2014 was estimated to be €6.6 billion.

The role of People……. TOURISM FACTS 2014 – What activities did Overseas Participants engage in? Hiking/cross country walking 1,193,000 Cycling 286,000 Golf 172,000 Angling 157,000 Equestrian 79,000

The role of People……. TOURISM FACTS 2014 Importance of destination issues among overseas holidaymakers (%) – Friendly, hospitable people95% – Beautiful scenery90% – Safe and secure destination88% – Good range of natural attractions87% – Interesting history and culture87% – Natural unspoilt environment85% – Attractive cities and towns83% – Easy, relaxed pace of life 73% Source: Fáilte Ireland’s Port Survey of Overseas Holidaymakers 2014

Challenge or Opportunity To integrate functions & programmes – Roads & traffic – Planning – Housing ( Passive house….energy but what about water ) – Economic ( Jobs ) and Community development – Environment ( Water and Waste Services ) – Recreation and amenity services

YOUR challenge To think differently about WATER Thank You