An Taisce notes with concern that the recent report from the EPA is showing concentrations of river nitrogen pollution increasing across some of our main rivers in the first half of 2025.

The report also highlights that levels are persistently remaining far too high in the south and south-east of the country where most of Ireland’s derogation farms are located. 

Dr Elaine McGoff, Head of Advocacy with An Taisce said: 

“While the nitrogen levels in our rivers fluctuated somewhat over the last two years, it’s important to note that rivers in the south and south-east were a continuous ongoing concern, even when the trend was improving. These are the areas which overlap with the most intensive dairy farming in the country and are home to the majority of derogation farms. 

"And unfortunately, this report is more bad news for the people and the wildlife in those areas, indicating that many rivers in these areas will remain significantly polluted unless stronger measures are implemented. 

"We’ve seen recently how vulnerable our river wildlife is to pollutants, with the recent devastating fish kill in the River Blackwater. We can’t build resilient river ecosystems with ongoing high levels of nitrate pollution.  

"While a lot of work is underway on farms to address water quality problems, I’ve yet to see any evidence that the measures being put in place will be effective for nitrogen pollution. Given the lack of evidence, I’m not surprised to see the levels go back up again. 

"We need data that shows which, if any, of the measures being implemented at the moment are working for nitrogen pollution, and then what stronger measures are needed to fill the huge gap that is still left for rivers in the south and south-east."

Map in banner image from EPA report: 'Location of the early insight’s nitrogen indicator monitoring stations and their associated catchment areas. Catchments previously identified as requiring nitrogen load reductions are shown in purple. Catchments which met their catchment nitrogen targets in 2024 have a green outline.'