An Taisce welcomes the EU Commission requirement that more stringent environmental conditions be applied to farmers applying for a nitrates derogation in order to bring them into compliance with the EU Habitats Directive. 

To date, when a farmer applies for a nitrates derogation from the Department of Agriculture, no environmental assessment is carried out to determine if the land can absorb the extra nitrogen loading. Nitrogen water pollution has been increasing for over a decade, and despite the recent slight decreases, nitrogen pollution continues to be far too high in the south and southeast. This is the area of Ireland where the majority of derogation farms are located.  

Dr. Elaine McGoff, Head of Advocacy with An Taisce said: 
‘Despite the clear pattern of elevated nitrogen pollution in the south and southeast, driven primarily by intensive agriculture, the impact on our waterways of allowing additional organic nitrogen loading onto these farms has never been assessed as part of the licencing process. This was a major oversight by the Government, and it’s high time it was addressed.' 

‘This new requirement from the EU will ensure that the local environment is taken into consideration before allowing for additional potential pollutants onto the land. An Taisce has long called for an evidence-based approach to the granting of derogations, and we welcome the extra rigour for this process.' 

‘This requirement from the European Commission should not come as a surprise to the Irish Government or to the farming lobby, who have long been warned of the risks to Ireland’s derogation given our rapid decline in water quality, and the lack of environmental assessment for granting derogations. To date, successive governments have failed to put in place contingency plans to deal with a potential loss or major amendment to the nitrates derogation, despite them highlighting that it is a key element for the ongoing economic future of Ireland’s dairy industry, with significant consequences for farmers if it were to not be renewed. That day has now come, and many farmers, who have expanded in line with Government advice, may face significant challenges in securing another derogation under these new rules.’ 

It’s time for the Government to put in place a well thought through and resourced plan to transition impacted farmers away from the high stocking densities the derogation allowed. There is a need for strong leadership to support and protect the farming community, at the same time as we protect our rivers, lakes and estuaries.

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For further information:

• Watch back this informative video webinar with Dr Elaine McGoff on 'what you need to know about nitrates'.
• There is also a good explainer of the EPA's nitrates derogation 'red map' for further background through this link.