The Lough Carra LIFE project launch took place on Monday, 15 May 2023 at the Belcarra Community Centre, Co. Mayo. The project was formally launched by Malcolm Noonnan T.D., Minister of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform.
The launch was attended by project partners and stakeholders, included presentations about the project and the local area and was followed by a public open day inviting local schools to engage with and learn about the project via stalls and information displays managed by project partners.
"Cllr Seamus Weir, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, pointed out that the Lough Carra LIFE project has been several years in its development, and is an example of how local communities can build partnerships with local authorities, government bodies, and a broad range of local stakeholders to drive policy changes from a grass roots level." - mayo.ie
Representatives from Geological Survey Ireland Groundwater Programme were present and attended the launch, as well as entertaining students with their groundwater models and knowledge as part of the public open day.
You can view Mayo County Council's report on the event HERE. 
About the Lough Carra LIFE Project
Lough Carra LIFE is a five-year project (2021 to 2026) led by Mayo County Council and funded jointly by the European Commission LIFE Programme and the Project Funding Partners.
The Project will take place in the Lough Carra catchment area, and will work with farmers, other landowners, and local community groups;
to improve water quality,
restore the Marl Lake habitat,
and raise the conservation status of other habitats and species within the catchment.
Funding Partners include:
- Mayo County Council
- Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine (DAFM)
- National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
- Geological Survey Ireland (GSI)
- Coillte
- The Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA)
Other Contributing Partners:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Office of Public Works (OPW)
- Local Authorities Waters Programme (LAWPro)
- Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)
- Teagasc
- National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS)
- Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT)
You can view and download the Lough Carra LIFE project brochure HERE.
You can view the Lough Carra LIFE website HERE. You can follow them on Twitter HERE.
You can visit the Lough Carra Catchment Association's website HERE. You can visit it EU Commission's Public database page on the Lough Carra LIFE Project HERE.
