Context

• The 2014 Comeragh Moutain cSAC (001952), Co Waterford reported the conservation status of the eight habitat was assessed as Unfavourable Bad  

 

• The EPA has identified 190 Priority Areas for Action where the water status is at risk of falling as part of Ireland's River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021. Two of these, the Clodiagh and the Tay, are located in the Comeragh Uplands and Communities EIP Project area.

 

• The availability of habitat management capacity building for upland farmers is in stark contrast to the range and depth of training courses available for lowland farming systems. 

 

• Teagasc Comeragh Hill Sheep Discussion Group (DG) has a 25-year history of working together, building their farming knowledge and skills.  They formed an Operational Group (OG). The OG gathered an Advisory Group to explore the options available to secure a better future for them and their local communities based on the mountain's landscape, natural capital and cultural heritage. 

Additional comments

• The Teagasc Comeragh Hill Sheep Discussion Group (DG) members knowledge of managing the natural and cultural heritage will be improved.  The training model developed may provide a starting point for institutions in developing a module for upland habitat management course for farmers and students.
• The ten commonages will have baseline biodiversity surveys completed and integrated sheep production and habitat management plans prepared.
• The DG members can safely undertake prescribed burning on their commonages when it is required.
• Engagement with the broader County Waterford community leads to an improved sharing of the mountain's landscape, rich plant diversity, and potential to contribute to rural development opportunities. 
• The publication of integrated upland booklets for each of the ten commonages.  Other upland groups can use the booklet template to collect, record, and manage the natural and cultural heritage and make it available to encourage rural development activities.
• The learnings from the Comeragh Uplands and Communities EIP project will inform templates for better engagement between upland farmers and communities.