Dr. Elaine McGoff:

I thank the committee for the opportunity to come in to talk to it. It is encouraging to see water quality being given the attention that other environmental pressures are getting. Climate change and biodiversity get a lot of attention and water often feels like the poor cousin. We welcome the committee taking time to engage on this. The river basin management plan is key. I welcome the committee writing to the Department about it. I encourage it to ask for much greater ambition. This is our best shot to address water quality declines. The committee has an important role to play in that. I encourage it to wield as much influence as it can. An Taisce and SWAN are ready to help in that regard. If we can provide the committee with any information, please do not hesitate to ask.