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

I would like to hear the thoughts of Mr. Flynn and Mr. Grant. Is it the case that we would apply for this derogation and then seek to manage the impact on watercourses ourselves? It appears from Mr. Flynn's statement that the matter is urgent and collective action across a number of policy areas is required to halt and reverse the deterioration in water quality. We only have six years to do that. Realistically, are we going to get there? As far as I understand it, the EPA is saying we will not. Accepting that the fifth nitrates action programme provides for a range of measures that might take us in the right direction, will it get us there quickly enough and will the measures be implemented? The EPA was broadly positive about the action plan but with the caveat that the measures need to be implemented. It also indicated that the fourth nitrates action programme did not cut it. I am interested in hearing the views of the officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on that.