Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage are the competent authority for the Nitrates Regulations (SI 605 2017) and are conducting a review of the Regulations in line with the requirements of the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EC).

There have been two public consultations this year, the most recent closed on 20th September and received 600 submissions. There has been widespread discussions with stakeholders as part of the review.

These submissions will be reviewed by an Expert Review Group who will make recommendations to both Ministers on foot of this consultation. This group is made up of officials from the Department of Housing, Teagasc, the EPA and my own Department. It is expected that the outcome of the review will be made public before the end of the year.

I am committed to retaining our derogation while I am focussed on protecting and enhancing our water quality.