Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
449. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has concerns over Ireland’s nitrates derogation in light of repeated EPA warnings regarding nutrient pollution in rivers and lakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59710/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRetaining Ireland's nitrates derogation is a key Government priority justified by Ireland's unique grass-based system and the engagement that is taking place across our agrifood sector to reduce its impact on water quality.
The EPA Water Quality report 2019-2024, published in October, confirms that 52% of surface waters are in a satisfactory ecological condition. This is an overall decline from 54% since the 2016-2021 assessment. However, the EPA report also identifies there has been a reduction in nitrogen concentrations in rivers since the last assessment period especially within the south, southeast and east of the country.
In addition, the EPA report highlights that where there has been coordinated and targeted action, phosphorus levels are reducing. This demonstrates that the “targeting the right measure in the right place” approach works.
It is critically important that the great work taking place on farms to reduce agriculture’s impact continues and intensifies as called for by the EPA.
The way we will achieve this is through the proposed next Nitrates Action Programme, which is currently open to public consultation, along with securing Ireland’s next nitrates derogation. To achieve progress there is a need to recognise the efforts being made across the agrifood sector to reduce its impact on water quality.
It is also important to bear in mind that the loss of Ireland's nitrates derogation may have negative unintended consequences.
An environmental and economic modelling report from Teagasc, commissioned by my Department, shows removal of the derogation risks resulting in a move away from our grass-based system. Such a move would be negative for biodiversity and may do nothing to improve water quality.
The loss of the derogation would likely increase demand for land to offset the impact of reduced stocking rate limits.
Competition for such land would impact all sectors and may also impact on our ambitions to increase the area under organics and forestry, which are also key government priorities.
