Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Securing the continuance of a nitrates directive for Irish farmers is Government policy. It was in the last Programme for Government and remains a policy position. I will work with farmers to improve water quality which is key to securing that derogation in the next round of negotiations and into the future.

The Nitrates Directive sets down strict scientific criteria in respect to the provision of a Nitrates Derogation. These include;

• a long growing season,
• crops with high nitrogen uptake,
• high net precipitation in the vulnerable zone,
• soils with exceptionally high denitrification capacity.

Ireland’s unique grass-based livestock production systems, our climate and our soils allow us justify a Nitrates Derogation in respect of the above conditions.

The Derogation is critical to preserving our outdoor grass based family farm system which means that we can:

• recycle our own nutrients on farm,
• be more self-sufficient in feeding our ruminant livestock,
• have lower greenhouse gas emissions per unit of output,
• provide improved biodiversity and air quality and
• have better animal welfare compared to indoor systems.

The loss of Ireland’s Derogation would risk perverse outcomes for many of these points.

There is often a simplistic narrative that removing the derogation will improve water quality. This is a simplistic view that fails to grasp the complexity of what is involved.

Ireland's Nitrates Derogation allows farmers operate above the normal maximum stocking rate of 170 kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare. However in return, our derogation farmers are subject to stricter environmental conditions, including a higher inspection rate.

Last year saw the introduction of Ireland’s 5^thNitrates Action Programme where the scope of some existing measures was broadened, other measures were expanded, and a number of new measures were introduced to drive improvements in water quality. These changes were introduced for farmers in 2022 and earlier this year, however these changes require time to demonstrate their full impact.

We all have to work together to reduce the levels of nutrients in our water. This responsibility extends to all farmers, but it also extends to private dwellings on septic tanks as well as Uisce Eireann who are also investing to improve water quality.

From agriculture’s perspective, this Government and my Department has invested in supporting farmers through initiatives such as the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme, and a €60 million investment in a national water quality project.

With the support of these initiatives and the commitment from the sector, I firmly believe Irish agriculture will drive improvements in water quality and support delivery of our overall environmental ambitions.