Three community projects were funded in the Finn Catchment as part of Phase 1 of the Community Incentive Scheme, these being ‘The Finn through the lens’, ‘Coiste Slí Taobh an Mhuillinn’ (Millside Walk) and ‘The Finn Anti-Pollution Project’, also known as FinnAPP.
One of these, the Finn Anti-Pollution Project, is a local community group from the Glenmore/ Welchtown which is monitoring the health of their local rivers using appropriate monitoring equipment. Using specialist equipment, the group surveyed three sites over Corlackey Burn and the Finn River at weekly intervals throughout the course of the year. Parameters such as Conductivity, pH, Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature were recorded.
Simple nitrogen and phosphorus test kits were been issued to the group to determine the concentration of the target analyte in the water sample. The group also received training in using the equipment prior to using it on the rivers. For the duration of the project the Loughs Agency will conduct the re-calibration of the equipment for the group at monthly intervals. The Agency has also designed the data recording format and will conduct regular checks to detect anomalies or potential errors.
The FinnAPP group has also been supplied with PPE such as life jackets, wellies, waders, disposable gloves and antiseptic wipes. Risk Assessments have also been supplied to the group so that all activities can be carried out safely and with minimal risk to all participating.
Data will be collected on Survey123 and uploaded to a dashboard which can be viewed by the group and CatchmentCARE staff. It is hoped that more groups will apply with a similar programme design in the 2020 CIS round.
