Government has allocated €42m in Budget 2026 to cover water quality initiatives in addition to providing “significant additional investment” to Uisce Éireann.

The €42m, up on last year's budget allocation, includes funding for the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP), urban nature-based solutions and the removal of barriers preventing fish from travelling along waterways.

Over 4,300 farmers have applied for funds under the Farming for Water EIP since the project was launched in early 2024 for actions such as riparian buffer zones, hedge planting and fencing along waterways.

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Minister for Housing James Browne welcomed the funding as a valuable support to bolster measures put into action by farmers and local authorities.

Commitment

“This funding demonstrates that the commitment of improving water quality remains at the forefront of this Government’s aims,” he said.

The €42m allocation shows that Government is committed to nature restoration, Minister of State for nature Christopher O’Sullivan added.

“This investment underscores our commitment to nature and its restoration. By improving water quality in our rivers and lakes, we strengthen habitats and help entire ecosystems to thrive.

“The funding will drive action across private lands, urban areas and river systems - taking practical steps for water and nature in diverse settings.”

Minister O’Sullivan singled out the national barrier mitigation programme as being one particular initiative able to “directly contribute towards the upcoming nature restoration plan’s water ecosystem targets”.