Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2025
295. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether existing regulations are adequate to prevent the excessive use of nitrates leading to potential run off into the water system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54255/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague Minister Browne's department is responsible for leading development of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and my department works very closely with his department on this important work area.
Ireland's current NAP introduced significant changes and is providing the strongest protections to date nationally for water quality from an agricultural perspective. In February of this year, additional measures were introduced to further strengthen the current NAP as part of the interim review of that Programme.
The next NAP is due to apply from January 2026. Officials from both departments are engaging with stakeholders through the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group and have developed a list of impactful proposed measures from a water quality perspective for that programme.
There has been significant engagement with the agrifood sector over the last number of years in relation to improving water quality and it is vital to continue this momentum. The Nitrates Regulations form the baseline for reducing nutrient losses and improving water quality, however incentivisation, industry support, as well as knowledge exchange and advisory are also key aspects required to achieve the optimum overall approach.
The Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme is providing free advice to farmers located in priority areas for action. The 'Farming for Water' EIP is providing significant funding to incentivise farmers to target additional measures in priority areas. The Teagasc 'Better Farming for Water' Campaign is promoting eight key actions for change related to nutrient management, farmyard management and land management, and many dairy co-ops have developed sustainability schemes which sets standards for environmental protection, including water quality.
I am confident a combination of current and future measures under the NAP, combined with a continuation of the existing significant commitment and engagement by the entire agrifood sector will translate into improved water quality.
