Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for coming in to speak to us. We have heard, quite alarmingly, that a significant number of our watercourses are severely degraded and the effect and impact on human health, as well as biodiversity and the environment. It is therefore good that we have heard that today.

I note the EU water framework directive, which has been in place 20 or 21 years, requires that all water should be at good status by 2027 at the latest. I would like to know how we are doing in that regard. Is there any analysis that shows we are on course to meet the requirements of the framework directive?

I refer to the fifth nitrates action programme.

I note Dr. Cotter's words from her opening statement, that "the evidence shows that the fourth ... [nitrates action programme] has not protected water quality from nutrient pollution from agriculture". In relation to the fifth nitrates action programme, which we are here to discuss today, she said, "The EPA supports the range and breadth of proposed measures ... which, if implemented as proposed, will strengthen the protection of the environment. "I refer to that caveat "if implemented as proposed". Dr. Cotter might comment on it with regard to the fourth nitrates action programme. Was it simply the case that the measures were not implemented? What confidence can we have - perhaps it is not Dr. Cotter's place to say - that they will be implemented and that we will get the strengthening and protection of the environment from application of and adherence to those measures?