Water level depth meter, gauge or staff. Extreme low water level in river. Global warming. Shortage, scarcity or lack of water or rain due to hot temperatures. Climate change crisis
Concerns have been raised over falling water levels at one of County Kildare's most important nature reserves, with local representatives calling for answers about what may be causing the decline.
The issue was discussed at a recent Kildare County Council meeting after reports of reduced water levels at Pollardstown Fen, a nationally important wetland and one of Ireland's largest remaining calcareous spring fens.
Questions have now been raised about water extraction from The Curragh Aquifer, which supplies the fen, and whether enough is being done to protect the vital water source.
As part of the discussion, councillors asked the council to clarify the rules around water abstraction from the aquifer, including who is responsible for licensing and monitoring extraction.
In its response, Kildare County Council said that all water abstractions exceeding 25 cubic metres per day must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unless exempt. Abstractions of more than 2,000 cubic metres per day require an EPA licence, while licensing requirements for amounts between those thresholds are determined by the EPA.
However, councillors said their main concern is understanding why water levels at Pollardstown Fen have dropped.
The council has now agreed to write to the EPA, seeking details on what measures are in place to protect The Curragh Aquifer, and the issue will remain on the council's progress report for further updates.
The prolonged hot and dry conditions also contributed to wildfires, raising concerns about pressure on water supplies and the impact on sensitive habitats.
Pollardstown Fen is one of Ireland's most ecologically significant wetlands, supporting a wide variety of rare plants and wildlife.
Because it depends on a constant supply of groundwater from The Curragh Aquifer, environmental experts have long warned that changes to groundwater levels could have lasting impacts on the protected habitat.
Written by Louise Ducrocq
Louise is an expert content creator, and online author for Radio Nova. She's evolved in a few different fields, including mental health and travel, and is now excited to be part of the wonderful word of Radio.
