Press Release Issued on 20 April 2023

CONFERENCE TO CELEBRATE CROSS BORDER PROJECT'S MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVING LOCAL WATERWAYS

A celebratory event is taking place this week to showcase the success of CatchmentCARE, a major cross-border project that has made a significant contribution to restoring water quality in three important cross-border river catchments.

The conference will take place on Thursday, 20^th April at the Villa Rose Hotel in Ballybofey, and will be a unique opportunity for attendees to learn more about the project, network with other professionals in the industry, and celebrate its collective achievements. The event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits showcasing the various components of the project.

Funding in the amount of €13,792,435.55 was received by the European Union's INTERREG VA Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programme's Body, the CatchmentCARE project aimed to improve freshwater quality in the Finn, Blackwater and Arney river catchments through the development of water quality improvement projects. The project also included the installation of fifty boreholes across the region to monitor water quality and provided a platform for cross border engagement and knowledge sharing between community, governance, policy and scientific shareholders.

Speaking about the project, Con McLaughlin, Project Manager commented: "The Partnership is incredibly proud of the success of CatchmentCARE and is looking forward to sharing our experiences with others. This event is a celebration of five years' hard work and dedication, and we hope that it will inspire others to pursue their own innovative ideas and initiatives to improve freshwater quality in their local areas."

Attendance at the event is free of charge, but registration is required. To register and for more information about the event, please visit our conference website at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/catchmentcare-final-conference-tickets-409819700757

Notes to editors:

• CatchmentCARE (Community Actions for Resilient Eco-systems) was a €14m project funded under the European Union's INTERREG VA Programme. Match-funding was provided by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in Ireland making a grand total of €13.8 million.

• The project, which was over 5 years' months in duration, was led by Donegal County Council (DCC) in association with partner organisations including Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Agri Foods & Biosciences Institute, the Loughs Agency, Ulster University, the British Geological Survey and Geological Survey Ireland.

• See more at http://www.catchmentcare.eu/.
  

• The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland.
  

• It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes, PEACE IV and INTERREG VA which are designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society.
   
• The Programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG VA, Western Scotland.
  
  
• The PEACE IV Programme has a value of €270 million and aims to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.
   
  
• For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu