Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

MARA is part of the solution. In 2022 the Government introduced the nitrates action programme. The Deputy knows there is an action plan there. She also knows it is the most robust nitrates action programme to date in terms of water quality. Last August the Department of agriculture and marine published Water and Agriculture - A Collaborative Approach. Progress has been made with a 10% reduction in nitrate concentration in our rivers in most regions. EPA reports have confirmed the trend of a reducing number of rivers with elevated nitrate levels. However, further reductions in nitrate concentration are needed, particularly in the south east.

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