It’s important to know who your friends are. Here are some helpful voluntary groups and state-linked agencies. You may not agree with them all the time, but they can help you when you need it. We have not listed here the agencies to contact if you encounter a problem. These can be found in our Government and Council Support section.

LAWPRO. The Local Authorities Water Programme. In the Western region these are David Rafter and Luke Drea at Centrepoint Building, Galway. drafter@lawaters.ie tel. 0858544507. Among other things they manage the Community Water Development Fund supporting community groups to enhance the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes and coastal areas.

EcoEd4All. “Focused on Making Environmental Education the Cornerstone of the Formal Second Level Curriculum”.

Corrib Beo. A community group with four strands to its work: Environment, Education, Culture and Recreation. A resourceful group who are happy to collaborate with all who have the interests of Lough Corrib at heart. https://corribbeo.org/

Lough Carra Catchment Association. “A dedicated community group focused on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of Lough Carra and its catchment.” This group has a high level of scientific expertise and their events are always worthwhile. https://loughcarra.org

SWAN. The Sustainable Water Network is an umbrella network of 25 of Ireland’s leading environmental NGOs, national and regional, working together to protect and enhance Ireland’s water environment. It is a national body that focuses on influencing government policy and legislation. Their website gives a very good overview of the issues affecting water quality. https://swanireland.ie/