Dysart River Project among longlist of Ireland's Greenest Places
A Dysart community project has been selected and placed on a longlist of Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025, while being Westmeath’s only entry to the competition.
The Dysart River Project is among 120 places put forward by members of the public, and it aims to improve the quality of the River Dysart, which feeds into Lough Ennell.
The goal of the Dysart River Project was to restore the quality of the river, as Westmeath County Council noted the water quality was poor from 2018 to 2021.
Since 2021, the status of the river has been adjusted to “good” following a collaborative effort with scientists, farmers and Teagasc experts.
The Local Authority Water Programme had a team of scientists assess the river, and at the time, Westmeath County Council designated the lake as a priority area for action by LAWPRO.
Joan Martin, LAWPRO catchment scientist, said: "The Dysart stream was selected as Priority Area for Action under the Second Cycle of the River Basin Management Plan because it was thought to be polluting Lilliput bathing waters."
Westmeath County Council's Just Transition Officer Edel Ennis said: “Farmers within the catchment wanted to play their part in protecting and improving water quality.
“Remedial actions such as solar-powered cattle drinkers on farms were put in place.”
Edel continued: “It’s an amazing turnaround; this is a really good example of building awareness and getting people on board.”
The “Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025” initiative began in May, when members of the public were asked to nominate a project or place that they believed contributes to a greener environment.
Mary Minahan, Chair of the Judging Panel, said: “It was extremely difficult for us to come up with the long list, and we spent many hours reviewing and debating the entries.
“So congratulations to the 26 projects that made the long list, but also to everyone who entered and is doing such valuable work.”
The official shortlist for Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025 will be announced at the end of August, and winners will be announced in mid-September.