Ms Karin Dubsky:

I worked on an EIP project with derogation farmers. There was definitely some improvement when wetlands were included. One example involved a farm on hilly land. Between soil, silt and phosphates, the level of nitrates coming down the hill after rain was significant. The farmer put in a series of ponds and other wetlands. At the end of the EIP, which was very affordable and was the smallest of all EIPs, there were fewer nitrates coming out of his farm. Additionally, he had massively increased biodiversity on the property. The whole amount relating to the EIP was less than €50,000. There were five of us involved and we worked with different landowners. This is definitely one thing we would do. We also have a biodiversity crisis and we need to tackle the two together. It has to be done by everyone together. Farmers are just one part. If the sewage treatment plant in an area is not working properly, then we would not get anywhere either.