A collaborative project investigating the potential of passive sampling technologies and integrative sampling to meet chemical monitoring requirements of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) in Ireland began in February 2013. Polar (POCIS) and non-‐polar (silicon rubber) passive sampling, grab samples and biota samples are being collected at ten sites across Ireland over two years. The first five sites (Fig. 1) are taking a catchment approach. All samples will be tested for emerging and priority compounds listed in the Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) Directive (2008/105/EC) and its 2012 amendment.