The EC Water Framework Directive came into force on 22nd December 2000. The Directive aims to establish an integrated approach to water protection, improvement and sustainable use. For this to be achieved, seven River Basin Districts have been designated within Ireland based on natural, environmental units encompassing rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwaters.

Deadline	Action Required
2000	Water Framework Directive entered into force
2003	Directive transposed into national law
	River Basin Districts to be identified
	Competent authorities identified
2004	Characterisation of surface and groundwaters to be completed
	Impacts of human activity (industry, farming etc.) to be identified
	Economic analysis of water use to be completed
	Location and boundaries of water bodies to be identified
	Reference conditions for water status to be defined
	Register of protected areas to be established
2006	Environmental monitoring to be established and operational to ensure comprehensive view of water quality in each RBD
	Work programme for production of River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) for each RBD to be published
2007	Interim overview of the significant water management issues for each RBD to be published
2008	Draft River Basin Management Plans to be published for consultation
2009	River Basin Management Plans to be finalised and published
	Programmes of measures to be established in each RBD to meet environmental objectives
2010	Water pricing policies to be in place
2012	Programmes of measures to be fully operational
	Interim progress reports to be prepared on implementation of planned programmes of measures
2015	Main environmental objectives to be met
	River Basin Management Plans to be reviewed and updated every six years thereafter