Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council will participate in the Catchment Action for Local Management project. The initiative targets water quality and ecosystem health in cross-border river catchments. Funding totals €8,235,387.32 from the PEACEPLUS programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body under its water quality investment area.

The project launched in Carlingford on 6 March 2026. East Border Region leads the partnership, which includes Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Loughs Agency, and Ulster University.

Activities cover nature recovery, innovation, invasive species control, and nutrient management strategies. Measures aim to reduce nutrient and sediment loads from agriculture, erosion, and waste issues that cause pollution, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline.

Irish Minister James Browne for Housing, Local Government and Heritage stated that transboundary cooperation is essential to address water quality across Ireland, with the project fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, catchment science capacity, community engagement, and nutrient management tools.

Northern Ireland Minister Andrew Muir for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs expressed support for the collaborative effort to improve water quality, as resources cross borders.

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre noted that PEACEPLUS funds projects enhancing daily life, highlighting the CALM project's ambition, partnership strength, focus on water quality, habitat restoration, community involvement, scientific expertise, and practical action for river catchment protection.

East Border Region Chairman Cllr PJ O’Hanlon said the project tackles environmental challenges in cross-border catchments through science-based interventions and greater community awareness in water management.