Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) is the lead authority for the Nitrates Regulations and the associated interim review of the 5th Nitrates Action Programme (NAP). My Department works very closely with DHLGH in this regard.

The interim review of the 2022 to 2025 NAP will take place in the coming months. The purpose of the review is to undertake an assessment of the effectiveness of the current NAP measures and to introduce any new measures that may be needed to reflect recent water quality data, significant changes to the agricultural sector and/or any other data considered relevant.

In the long-term our water quality trends will determine whether a continuation of Ireland's Nitrate’s Derogation can be secured from the European Commission. I believe the entire agrifood sector must strengthen its commitment and work together to deliver measures that will drive improvements in our water quality and the broader environment.

In addition to CAP Schemes such as Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and the Eco-Scheme, I have recently launched a number of nationally funded schemes, such as the National Liming Programme, the Multispecies Swards Measure and the Red Clover Silage Measure. These schemes are all aimed at improving and increasing soil and plant biodiversity. In addition, they also have co-benefits of improving overall environmental and economic sustainability on our farms.