The Erkina River has been granted priority status under the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership.
The River Erkina has its source on the Laois-Kilkenny border south of Rathdowney.
It flows north towards Rathdowney and then turns east in the direction of Durrow entering the River Nore around 1.5 km east of the town.
In partnership with Teagasc and Dairy Industry Ireland, the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) secured funding for a groundbreaking Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP).
EIP-Agri projects are locally led and collaborative, addressing issues related to natural resources, such as water, through innovative approaches.
Following a meeting with Laois County Council, NPWS, IFI and (LAWPRO) in 2017 the Erkina EIP was formed with Michael G Phelan as Chairman.
Supported by the Erkina Blueway Association the group were awarded a grant under the Community Water Development Fund 2021 operated by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO).
After which a feasibility study of the Erkina priority area for action was completed.
This study was prepared by Anne Markey M.Agr.Sc. Environmental Agriculture Engineering Consultancy Limited (EAEC Ltd).
At a meeting of the group on Thursday December 12 at a full house in Newtown Mill, Fiona Doolan of Teagasc supported by Ann Phelan (LAWPRO), announced a range of funded measures under the EIP that will have real financial benefits to landowners in the area.
Funding is provided for measures that are over and above regulatory requirements, i.e. supplementary measures like sediment traps, riparian areas, catch crops, etc.
Further information on Farming for Water European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) can be obtained on the Farming for Water Water European Innovation Partnership – AGRI website – farmingforwater.ie
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