Provision of Water Framework Directive (WFD) Related Services 2027 and 2028-2030 Inclusive

The Water Framework Directive (WFD), Directive 2000/60/EC, was adopted in 2000 as a single piece of legislation covering rivers, lakes, groundwater and transitional (estuarine) and coastal waters. Its objectives include the attainment of good status in water bodies that are of lesser status at present and retaining good status or better where such status exists at present. Artificial Water Bodies (AWBs) such as canals are defined in Article 1 of the WFD as “a body of water created by human activity” and are recognised for their artificial nature and specific monitoring requirements to ensure their continued beneficial uses for navigation, recreation, environmental and amenity value.

Waterways Ireland has been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the government body with responsibility for ensuring this monitoring is implemented. Waterways Ireland is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified service provider to undertake Water Framework Directive ( WFD) monitoring services for 2027 and for the 2028-2030 monitoring cycle. The 2027 monitoring programme is intended to bridge the gap between the commencement of the 2028 – 2030 EPA reporting cycle.

The services will be undertaken at specified locations along the Royal Canal, the Grand Canal and the Shannon-Erne Waterway.