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Book: Lakes in Ireland – Mirrors of Change

FREE DIGITAL Book Highlights the Vital Role of Lakes in Ireland

The island of Ireland is home to an extraordinary number of lakes, which serve as both vital ecosystems and significant cultural landmarks. This FREE open access digital book is freely available on the Marine Institute’s Open Access Repository here: Lakes in Ireland – Mirrors of Change. The book brings together leading experts to present an in-depth exploration of Ireland’s lakes, their history, geography, science and the growing threats they face. By equipping communities and policymakers alike with knowledge, the authors hope to inspire action that will safeguard Ireland’s lakes for future generations.

Cover of the book titled “Lakes in Ireland: Mirrors of Change.” The design features a calm lake reflecting green hills and a cloudy sky, with mountains in the background. Text on the cover includes the title in large bold letters and the editors’ names: Catherine Dalton, Elvira de Eyto, and Eleanor Jennings. — Book Cover, Kylemore Lough, Galway Photo Credit, Daniel Cierpial

The authors caution that not all is well. While Ireland has been spared the severe droughts and floods afflicting lakes elsewhere in Europe, issues like nutrient over-enrichment, or eutrophication, pose significant threats. Algal blooms, such as the 2023 crisis on Lough Neagh, highlight the dangers of pollution and the urgent need for action. The book also addresses broader environmental concerns, including climate change, invasive species, and hydrological alterations.

Chapters emphasise the need for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to lake management. The authors advocate for better regulation, inter-departmental collaboration, and more robust community involvement in the stewardship of these vital water bodies.

Scenic view of Pine Island in Connemara, Ireland. The small island is covered with tall pine trees and surrounded by a still lake that reflects the trees and the blue sky. Behind the island are green hills and mountains partially shrouded in low-hanging clouds. — Pine Island, Galway. Photo Credit, Ruth Little

This digital book has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of leading researchers, environmentalists and government agencies and the book sponsors who made this open access publication possible (National Parks and Wildlife Service, Marine Institute, Environment Protection Agency, Mary Immaculate College (University of Limerick), the Geological Survey, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Local Authority Waters Programme, Loughs Agency, An Foram Uisce, National Federation of Group Water Schemes, Coillte and the Irish Freshwater Sciences Association).

About author

EPA Catchments Unit

Administrator

The EPA Catchments Unit is based in Dublin, and the team is involved with catchment science, chemistry, ecology, hydromorphology, modelling, Geographic Information Systems and planning. We work with the wider EPA, all of our local authorities, the Local Authority Waters and Communities Office, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and other public bodies and Departments to ensure we have the best available data and information about our catchments.

Who is involved?
Quite simply, everyone in Ireland has a role to play. This can be from something as simple as making sure you don’t pollute your local stream, or a local community working together to establish a Rivers Trust to enhance the rivers and lakes in their area, to a Government Department or Agency helping a Minister implement a new policy to help protect and enhance all our water bodies.

This website has been developed and is maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency, and is a collaboration between the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Local Authority Waters Programme.

Local Authority Waters Programme

The Local Authority Waters Programme coordinates the efforts of local authorities and other public bodies in the implementation of the River Basin Management Plan, and supports local community and stakeholder involvement in managing our natural waters, for everyone’s benefit.

Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA is responsible for coordinating the monitoring, assessment and reporting on the status of our 4,842 water bodies, looking at trends and changes, determining which waterbodies are at risk and what could be causing this, and drafting environmental objectives for each.

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Department is responsible for making sure that the right policies, regulations and resources are in place to implement the Water Framework Directive, and developing a River Basin Management Plan and Programme of Measures to protect and restore our waters.