Dr. Cilian Roden:

I have a quick observation regarding the national level. We import something in the order of 300,000 to 400,000 tonnes of nitrogen every year. We produce food that has approximately 100,000 tonnes of nitrogen in it. Under our present system of production, we are adding the balance every year. My figures are approximate but, as a general statement, we produce 1,000 billion litres of milk every year, putting more nitrogen into the environment as a result. Our agricultural system is such that to produce more food is to put more nitrogen into the ground. That is our starting point. There are two things we have to talk about. The first is whether we should reduce food production. If that is not acceptable, we have to do something about efficiency. With all due respect to Teagasc, our agriculture sector is a little bit like a car that is giving you ten miles to the gallon and belching out black smoke behind it. As long as we have that, for every year you see more food exported, the consequence will be more nitrogen put into our environment. That system will go on until such time as we produce considerably greater efficiencies or are forced to at least reduce milking.

Where is this nitrogen ending up? It is ending up in many different parts but one of our report findings was that there is something in the order of 1,200 to 1,500 tonnes of nitrogen at the bottom of Lady's Island Lake. Until that is removed, is it going to be quite difficult to restore the lake.