Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 144: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timeframe for the review of the Nitrates Action Plan; his plans to change this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23278/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland's first Nitrates Action Programme was reviewed in 2010, following which the second programme was given effect in the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water) Regulations 2010.

My Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine were assisted in the review of the programme by the establishment of an expert advisory group. A public consultation was an important aspect of the review process too, with a total of 45 written submissions received.

A review of the second Nitrates Action Programme is due in 2013. The review will be informed by expert views, developments in environmental and agricultural research and submissions received in response to the consultation process that will be undertaken as part of the review.