Clean up the Quoile conducted a survey among Downpatrick residents recently (May 2022), asking them whether they thought the River Quoile was in a good environmental condition.

78% of respondents said they believed the River Quoile was not in a good environmental condition and that deterred them from visiting the area.

• 67.9% stated that the water looks/smells bad
• 48.6% believed waste water treatment was polluting the river
• 29.3% thought agriculture was a contributing factor

If water quality was improved, respondents felt the area would attract more people and resonate more as a family friendly destination, support wellbeing and mental health, give local tourism a major boost, and restore vital fish stocks.

Water quality

When asked about water quality, the majority of respondents believed the River Quoile needed to be improved for recreational use, with more than three quarters saying that not enough was being done to protect water quality. If water quality was improved, the group said they would visit the Quoile area more regularly.

Clean up the Quoile has engaged with the Rivers Trust who will support us on our journey to clean up the Quoile.

Show your support for the Clean up the Quoile campaign by signing our petition.