Council to help deliver major cross-border water quality project

Council to help deliver major cross-border water quality project March 11, 2026 104 The launch of the CALM Project, a major cross-border environmental initiative aimed at enhancing water quality. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council will help deliver a major cross-border environmental initiative aimed at enhancing water quality and ecosystem health, after funding of €8,235,387.32 was secured by lead partner East Border Region (EBR). The project which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) under ‘Investment Area 5.3 Water Quality: Promoting access to water and sustainable water management’, was launched in Carlingford on Friday 6 March 2026. Catchment Action for Local Management (CALM), addresses critical environmental challenges within cross border river catchments across the region. The project is focusing on nature recovery, innovation, invasive species control, and operational strategies for nutrient management. The project encompasses comprehensive measures to mitigate nutrient access, restore habitats, and foster community engagement. The CALM Project partnership includes East Border Region (EBR) as the Lead Partner, Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Loughs Agency and Ulster University. The primary challenge addressed by this project is the excess nutrient load in watercourses, which leads to water pollution, habitat degradation, and loss of biodiversity in river catchments. This issue is exacerbated by agricultural practices, erosion, and inadequate waste management, posing significant environmental and public health risks. The project’s overall objective is to enhance water quality and ecosystem health in cross-border river catchments by reducing nutrient and sediment loads. The expected changes include: Improved water quality in targeted catchments. Development of a catchment strategy dealing with nutrients. Increased community awareness and engagement in water management. Development of sustainable nutrient management practices. Produce a robust water chemistry monitoring campaign. Irish Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Minister James Browne said: “Water knows no boundaries and transboundary cooperation and collaboration is key to tackling water quality in cross-border and more broadly across the island of Ireland. “Projects like the CALM project will strengthen cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange between partners and key stakeholders and build capacity across the Island on catchment science and community engagement, whilst also building the tools needed to manage nutrients effectively.” NI Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA said: “I’m delighted to be at the launch of the Catchment Action for Local Management project. Our water resources do not stop at borders, so I support this collaborative effort to improve water quality together. I wish the project partners every success in delivering enhanced water quality and ecosystem health.” SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “PEACEPLUS was designed to support work that improves everyday life across our shared region. The CALM Project stands out for the scale of its ambition and the strength of the partnership behind it. “By focusing on water quality, habitat restoration and community involvement, this initiative will help to protect river catchments that are vital to both local citizen wellbeing and long‑term environmental stability. We are pleased to support a programme that brings scientific expertise and practical action together in a way that will deliver lasting benefits on both sides of the border.” Chairman of East Border Region, Cllr PJ O’Hanlon said: “EBR are absolutely delighted to be Lead Partner on this exciting cross border project. It will help to address critical environmental challenges within cross border catchments by a combination of science-based interventions and increased community awareness and engagement in water management.” Previous article Lord Mayor to host special evening marking 100 years of Dr Ian R K Paisley’s birth Next article Borough-wide Artisan Markets return with double the dates for 2026