Written answers

Tuesday, 21 September 2021

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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696. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) with respect to the draft nitrates action programme and in particular the organisation's view that the proposed programme lacks consideration for the weather and the practical application of the proposed measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45097/21]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 605 of 2017 otherwise now as the Nitrates Regulations are subject to review every 4 years. The current regulations expire at the end of 2021 and a new Nitrates Action Programme must be published at the beginning of 2022 with the revised regulations to remain in place until 2025.

The Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage are the lead Department with respect to these Regulations and work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine.

As part of the review, a public consultation has just concluded and stakeholders were strongly encouraged to contribute. These regulations contain specific measures to protect against nutrient pollution arising from agricultural sources and this review will look at further practical ways that farmers can support this objective.

The closing date for receipt of responses was 20th September 2021. All submissions will be considered as part of the process of reviewing and updating the regulations.

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