Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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2215. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the recent engagements he and his Department have had with the EU regarding the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43295/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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At the December 2024 Nitrates Committee, my officials advised that in accordance with 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 that will ensure that application is scientifically justified and will continue to contribute to the achievement of the Nitrates Directive’s objectives.

Since then Ireland has been making good progress at EU level with presentations being well received at the EU Nitrates Committee meetings in March and June. Bilateral engagement at official level is on-going.

The Taoiseach has raised the importance of Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation with Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and I have engaged directly with Commissioner Roswall on this matter. I have also extended an invitation to Commissioner Roswall to visit Ireland to understand first hand our unique situation and the work underway across the entire agri-food sector to improve water quality.

The Commission recently wrote to Ireland outlining the need for assessments to be performed on the environmental effects of any potential new nitrates derogation including with regard to the objectives of the Habitats Directive.

Previously when preparing a new Nitrates Action Programme, and seeking an extension to its nitrates derogation, Ireland complied with the requirements of the Habitats Directive by performing one programme level national Appropriate Assessment. However the Commission's recent letter is clear that more detailed assessments are now required for Ireland to be granted a further nitrates derogation.

My officials are engaging with stakeholders as well as Habitats Directive and legal experts to develop a proposed pathway that can be presented to the Commission in response to their letter.

Over the coming months the Government will continue to engage with the European Commission and other EU Member States to ensure we get the best possible outcome for Ireland post-2025.