Mr. Eoin Kinsella:

On current schemes, when we look at reducing chemical nitrogen into the system, we have to look at the nitrates action plan that currently exists. There have been reductions in this regard over the past couple of years. Since 2022, there has been a reduction of 10%. However, with regard to mitigation measures, it is a case of farm system change through white and red clover incorporation and multispecies swards. Then it is a question of various other measures, such as in-drain settlement ponds. The solutions all exist and are tried and tested. Teagasc is doing a lot of work at the moment. A smarter buffers project was recently run. We were a stakeholder in that and I joined the group.

With regard to efficiency from a funding point of view, it is a matter of a locally led scheme. It is the only way to go. I am referring to a small locally led scheme with enough funding and possibly lasting for five years.