Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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620. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to report on the work underway with regard to the Nitrates derogation given its importance of sectors of Irish farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13815/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Delivering the most robust case for Ireland to retain its Nitrates derogation is a key priority for this Government. This requires a strong focus on delivering improvements in water quality coupled with a robust scientific justification underpinning Ireland's request.

Last August, my Department published “Water and Agriculture - a collaborative approach”. It outlined the collaborative approach being taken to improve water quality from an agricultural perspective. That plan is based around the range of measures in place including regulation, government incentives and collaboration with industry and farmers.

Along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, my Department represents Ireland at the EU Nitrates Committee meetings in Brussels. In December 2024, my Department advised the EU Nitrates Committee that, in accordance with Paragraph 2 (b) of Annex 3 of the Nitrates Directive, Ireland wished to apply for permission to continue applying in excess of 170kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare from 2026, subject to a set of conditions which will ensure that application is scientifically justified, and will continue to contribute to the achievement of the Nitrates Directives objectives of reducing and preventing water pollution caused by agricultural nutrients.

Since then there have been a number of bilateral meetings on the issue with the European Commission. Ireland has also presented to the Nitrates Committee, made up of Member State representatives, which will ultimately vote on Ireland's application.

In addition, the Cabinet Committee on Water Quality, chaired by An Taoiseach, will convene very shortly to coordinate water quality improvements across all sectors and to work to secure Ireland's nitrates derogation at EU level.

All of the above actions demonstrate the Government's commitment to both water quality and retention of the nitrates derogation post-2025. We will continue to work nationally and at EU level, to ensure that we get the best possible outcome for Ireland post-2025.