Consultation on Timetable and Work Programme for Development of Fourth Cycle River Basin Management Plan 2028 – 2033

Overview

DAERA has launched a six-month consultation on the timetable and work programme for developing the fourth River Basin Management Plan for Northern Ireland. This consultation presents an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the development of the fourth cycle plans. We request and encourage you to consider our timetable, consultation process, and mechanisms for collaborating with stakeholders to review and update the plans in 2027.

Note: In addition to this consultation and to help inform this process, our first consultation question asks for your feedback on the recently published 3rd cycle River Basin Management Plan. (link below)

We would encourage all those with an interest in the water environment to respond to this consultation. There are various ways to respond detailed below and within the consultation document, including via Citizen Space.

Consultation Description

Water is fundamentally important to daily life and the natural environment. Given its significance, it is essential that we manage it effectively to ensure water can continue to satisfy the needs of society, the economy, and wildlife over the long term, while also helping to reduce costs associated with water pollution and drought.

River Basin Management adopts a holistic approach to managing water quality by necessitating the protection and improvement of all aspects of the water environment, including rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters, and groundwater.

River Basin Management Planning is vital to implementing the requirements of the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017. These regulations place an obligation on DAERA to strive to ensure that all inland and coastal waters achieve at least 'Good' status by 2033.

The Plans are subject to review and updates every six years. The consultation for the third cycle RBMP was conducted in 2021; however, publication has been delayed due to various factors. It was crucial that the implementation of measures continued during this interim period. The third cycle will be published following Executive approval.

Meanwhile development of the fourth cycle River Basin Management Plan is crucial as it is scheduled for publication in 2027. This consultation presents an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the development of the fourth cycle plans. We request that you consider our timetable, consultation process, and mechanisms for collaborating with stakeholders to review and update the plans in 2027.

You can respond by: