Post-Brexit implications for transboundary groundwater management along the Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland border

Abstract

There are multiple transboundary groundwater bodies shared between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland that are currently managed jointly through the EU Water Framework Directive. In 2016 the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union and consequently, there are uncertainties regarding the future status of groundwater management between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in regards to future UK environmental policy. This paper explores the post ‘Brexit’ transboundary groundwater implications, if a transboundary groundwater agreement is required between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and, should it transpire, what form should it take.

Keywords

• groundwater
• transboundary
• brexit
• aquifer
• Northern Ireland
• Republic of Ireland