ABC Borough Council joins €8.2 million PEACEPLUS initiative to restore cross-border water quality

A cross-border consortium led by East Border Region has secured over €8.2 million in EU funding to launch the CALM project. The initiative targets nutrient pollution and habitat degradation across shared river catchments between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland through scientific monitoring and nature-based interventions.

The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council has partnered with a multi-agency consortium to execute a major environmental restoration program following the acquisition of €8.24 million in funding. The Catchment Action for Local Management (CALM) project, supported by the SEUPB-managed PEACEPLUS program, officially launched in Carlingford to address deteriorating water conditions in transboundary river systems.

ABC Borough Council is a local government authority in Northern Ireland responsible for regional development, environmental health, and public services. This development is significant as it addresses systemic ecological threats caused by excessive nutrient runoff, soil erosion, and inadequate waste management. By focusing on nature recovery and invasive species control, the project aims to reverse biodiversity loss and mitigate public health risks associated with water pollution. For industries such as agriculture and utilities, the initiative signals a shift toward more stringent nutrient management and sustainable land-use practices. The CALM partnership includes Ulster University, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, ensuring a data-driven approach to water chemistry.

For businesses and investors, this cross-border collaboration highlights an increasing regulatory and financial focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards within the region. The project’s emphasis on developing robust monitoring tools and sustainable operational strategies will likely influence future policy frameworks regarding water resource management and infrastructure investment across the island of Ireland.