Implementation of the Water Framework Directive - A comparison between Ireland and Sweden

The Water Framework Directive was adopted in 2000. Since then both Sweden and Ireland have made a large number of arrangements in order to implement the directive. Both countries have been divided into river basin districts (RBD). In Sweden the implementation of the directive on RBD level is organized by Water Authorities and in Ireland a project group lead by a local authority is responsible. The operative work with the directive is carried out by consultants in Ireland and by regional civil servants in Sweden. The implementation of the directive into national legislation has been finished in Sweden and is being transposed in phases in Ireland.