Objectives of the Workshop:

• To bring together the existing River Trusts in Ireland and those planning on forming Trusts, to share experiences and advice.
• To invite the various bodies involved with rivers in Ireland to meet with the participants and provide information and guidance on the roles which they see River Trusts’ could play in protecting and enhancing our dense network of rivers and streams.

Meeting Format and Speakers

Morning session – 10.00 to 13.00

Speakers

• Arlin Rickard - An overview of the Rivers Trust movement in the UK
• Mark Horton - An overview of the Rivers Trust movement in Ireland and the work of the Ballinderry Trust
• Fran Igoe - The work of IRD Duhallow in river development and protection
• Bernie O’Flaherty - The role of LAWCO (Local Authority Water and Communities Office) and how it can support Rivers Trusts
• Stephen Kennedy - The work of the Dibney River Conservation Trust
• Dan Curley - River Blackwater Catchment Trust – the formation and role of a cross border trust

Lunch and Networking: 13.00 to 14.00

Afternoon session – 14.00 to 16.00

Plenary Session: A theme based session will cover:

• River Trust or Angling Trust – how do I choose?
• Other options – club, conservation group, community development group
• Achieving Charitable Status – Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland?
• Where to access information on the logistics and legal requirements for establishing Trusts in Ireland
• Funding & Administration
• Training
• Relationships with Government and State Agencies
• Carrying out work in designated areas – SAC’s, SSSI’s etc
• Obtaining Technical / Scientific Advice

The meeting will be chaired by Professor Ken Whelan of the Atlantic Salmon Trust