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
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 at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/significant-water-management-issues
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.
