Launch of consultation on next phase of River Basin Management Plan
Date published:
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has today launched a six-month public consultation on its assessment of the Significant Water Management Issues (SWMI) affecting rivers, lakes, coastal waters and groundwaters in Northern Ireland.
The publication of the SWMI Report is an essential step in the statutory river basin planning process under The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017.
The report aims to improve understanding of the environmental pressures and impacts affecting each of Northern Ireland's water bodies, including rivers, lakes, coastal waters and groundwater. It also provides an assessment of the current water quality status in Northern Ireland.
The consultation invites input from stakeholders and the public to verify or provide alternative evidence regarding the Department’s assessment of the underlying issues and pressures, which is essential for developing effective measures to address these in the fourth cycle River Basin Management Plan (RBMP). This Plan will cover the six-year period from 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2033.
Welcoming the launch of the public consultation, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “We must have open and frank discussions about how we are going to improve water quality. Concerted efforts are being made to establish robust foundations for the development of the fourth cycle River Basin Management Plan while considering the requirements of all sectors of society.
“I believe the fourth cycle plan must be ambitious and address the challenges that Northern Ireland faces in relation to declining water quality. Understanding the pressures and impacts of different sources of pollution on the water environment is paramount to being able to act effectively.
“Everyone is encouraged to respond to this consultation and play a role in safeguarding Northern Ireland’s water environment for future generations by influencing the development of the fourth cycle RBMP.”
In line with the statutory deadlines, the consultation will run for six months, closing on 18 June 2026 and is available on the DAERA website.
Notes to editors:
Notes to editors:
- This SWMI consultation is a critical step in developing the Programme of Measures for the fourth cycle River Basin Management Plan (2028–2033).
- The Northern Ireland water classification statistics report 2024 is available on the DAERA website: NI Water Classification Statistics Report 2024.pdf
- The third cycle RBMP covers the period 2022-2027 and was published on 13 June 2025.
- The draft fourth cycle RBMP will be opened for consultation by 22 December 2026.
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