Nitrate-derogation sparks debate

Senator Sarah O’Reilly has called on the Government to definitively commit to retaining the nitrates derogation, following a meeting in Fermoy where over 2,000 farmers gathered to voice concerns about the future of Irish farming.

Raising the issue in the Seanad, the Aontú senator said farmers have done “everything” asked of them.

“Farmers have invested heavily in new technology and in low emission outputs to protect the environment and improve water quality, yet they’re constantly being hit with new measures from Europe that threaten the very future of rural Ireland.”

Senator O’Reilly claimed many attending Fermoy were disappointed the Minister had not given a more definite commitment.

“Our farmers are being unfairly blamed for increased nitrates in rivers without any serious investigation into other causes like faulty wastewater treatment plants, urban runoff or industrial pollution. It’s easier to scapegoat farmers than to tackle those issues.”

Environmentalists caution that if Ireland’s grass-fed system were sustainable, it would not require an exemption to exceed the EU’s nitrogen limits. EPA report that around half of Irish rivers and lakes are in unsatisfactory condition, with agriculture the largest contributor of nitrate pollution.

Dr Elaine McGoff, Natural Environment Officer with An Taisce says a derogation would “add fuel to the fire”.

“Ireland is facing a water quality crisis. Agricultural intensification, particularly dairy intensification, is the primary driver of that. Ambitious and far reaching changes are required to address this. Adding a nitrates derogation on top of this will just further exacerbate the situation.”

Critics argue that the nitrates derogation has become a substitute for meaningful reform - allowing stocking rates to remain high instead of investing in new solutions for manure management, nutrient recycling, and long-term reductions in emissions.

Meanwhile, Senator O'Reilly confirmed she has written to the Minister seeking a clear guarantee that Ireland’s nitrates derogation, which allows for up to 250kg of nitrogen per hectare, will be retained in both the short and long term.

“Rural Ireland depends on this derogation. The Government must stand firm in Europe and make it absolutely clear that maintaining the nitrates derogation is non-negotiable for Ireland,” she said.