The EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) requires all Member States to protect and improve water quality in all waters so that we achieve good ecological status by 2027.

This course will look at where Ireland is now in relation to meeting the target, the forthcoming River Basin Management Plan new legislation and what it means for you, including implications for under-performance and what can be done to meet these targets. You will also gain a legal overview of WFD provisions, Article 4 obligations, and will look at recent case law, as well as exploring potential future litigation implications.

This is an intensive 1-day course, delivered completely online and hosted by highly experienced trainers. All attendees will gain an opportunity to ask important questions and discuss key issues.

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Course Content

Session 1: Overview of the WFD

• Key articles and architecture
• Including interplay and linkages to other EU law e.g. Nitrates, Habitats
• Commission stocktake of WFD (2019)
• Progress report on restoration at EU level
• Timelines in the WFD (and implications of these)

Session 2: Implementation of WFD in Ireland

• The 2003 and 2009 Regulations
• The institutional infrastructure e.g. LAWPRO, WPC, ASSAP
• Progress to-date on water quality objective (drawing on EPA etc)
• The (draft) Third River Basin Management Plan
• Live issues e.g. RBMP, HMWB, water abstractions, impoundments, water quality, Nitrates

Session 3: The CIS

• Common Implementation Strategy
• Key guidance documents
• Legal status

Session 4: Case law of CJEU and Irish Courts

• Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland e.V. v Bundesrepublik Deutschland (aka Weser) (C -461/13)
• Land Nordrhein Westfalen (C-535/18)
• AFNE v. Premier ministre and Ministre de la Transition écologique et solidaire (C-525/20)
• Bradán Beo Teo (C -301/22)
• Vodoopskrba i odvodnja d.o.o.v Željka Klafurić (C 686/15)
• Salmon Watch Ireland CLG v Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board & Ors (anticipated)
• An Taisce V Minister for Housing, Ireland and the Attorney General (Nitrates Action Programme) (Anticipated)

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Who Should Attend?

This course should be hugely beneficial to engineers, local authorities, government agencies, semi state, planners, site accessors and environmental scientists. Also, would be very beneficial to plant operators, environmental and process specialists, facilities managers, maintenance and engineering contractors and those responsible for the operation and management water systems.

Certification

On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Certificate of Attendance. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.

Cost

An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €485 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €585. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY BIRD RATE CLOSES 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO COURSE DATE.

The course cost includes all course documentation and certificates of attendance.

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