River Basin Management implementation: a commentary on a plan for change

Abstract

A number of European Union countries, including Ireland, have faced referrals to the Court of Justice for delays in reviewing, adopting, and implementing River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) as required by the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC). These delays undermine the effective execution of measures necessary to achieve WFD water quality objectives, compromising environmental sustainability and eroding public trust. This commentary examines how such delays hinder implementation, resulting in inconsistent improvements in water quality across monitored bodies. Drawing on draft submissions of the 3rd RBMP (2022–2027), key challenges are identified, and a transformative plan for change is proposed. This approach emphasises timely planning and implementation of measures, active public participation, robust monitoring, and the integration of sustainable agricultural practices to reduce environmental pressures and protect the ecological health of water resources.