James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

566. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has had discussions with the European Commission on the nitrates derogation, following the publication of the EPA water quality report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34844/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) "Water quality monitoring report on nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in Irish waters 2022" was submitted to the European Commission on 30 June in accordance with the conditionality set down in the Commission's Implementing Decision granting Ireland's current Nitrates Derogation.

The report was subsequently published on both the EPA and my Department’s websites.

When submitting the report, my Officials requested a meeting with the Commission Services. My officials had also engaged with Commission services in advance of the report's availability.