Wexford Science Café

Can the waters of Lady's Island be restored?

Discussion with ecologist Dr Cilian Roden

The lagoon at Lady's Island is of great interest and value as a unique habitat for birds and aquatic life but the quality of the water there has seriously deteriorated over several decades due to pollution from several sources. More sophisticated monitoring of water quality was put in place earlier this year but major remedies are required.  

Dr Cilian Roden is one of several experts who have analysed the water and advised on its possible restoration to good health.  He worked with the EPA on the CLEAR project on coastal lagoons which reported in 2025 on the severe degradation at Lady's Island due to chemical run-off from agriculture.    

Dr Roden was a founder of the Lough Carra Catchment Association in Co Mayo, which.has brought local communities, interest groups and experts together in a five-year project to protect the lake's ecosystem. We will hear possible lessons from this experience for the recovery of Lady's Island lagoon, and about the need to approach such issues from social as well as scientific perspectives.      

Dr Roden has been studying the water quality and aquatic life of lakes in Connacht for several decades. His work includes direct close-up observation, earning him the title of 'snorkeling scientist'. He is a consultant at Roden Ecology, an adjunct lecturer at Atlantic Technological University and author of The Naturalist's View: The Role of Natural History in Present-Day Ireland (Artisan House, 2009).

This event is part of the programme for Science Week, whose theme this year is Water.

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