The river basin district approach

A key feature in the implementation is the development of River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) and, before this can commence water bodies are assigned into land areas known as River Basin Districts (RBDs). Districts that cross international borders are known as International River Basin Districts. Most districts are multi-catchment in nature to ‘mop up’ smaller catchments.

In Ireland, 8 river basin districts, each of large geographical area, have been designated. In Northern Ireland there are 4 RBDs, 1 fully internal to Northern Ireland (ie., North Eastern RBD), and 3 international (ie. Neagh Bann, North Western and Shannon RBDs).

The Directive requires extensive and inclusive participation in the preparation of RBMPs. This demands a much greater degree of involvement by others than merely consultation.