The EU’s Nitrates Committee has approved Ireland’s request for a further three-year derogation to EU water pollution law.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD said Ireland had “secured “a positive vote in favour of Ireland’s request”. The committee’s recommendation will now be followed up by a so-called European Commission implementing decision.
Speaking after the vote in Brussels, Minister Heydon said:
“Ireland’s request is based on the scientific criteria as provided for in the directive and which align with Ireland’s grass based, outdoor production model.”
The Irish government has been lobbying other member states to give their support. The Netherlands, which is also seeking a derogation, has not yet been granted one, according to diplomats.
The implementing decision from the European Commission will set out the conditions under which Ireland must operate the derogation, including the need to demonstrate enhanced compliance with the EU’s Habitats Directive.
The Department of Agriulture has warned that there will be “several additional requirements from 2028 for derogation farmers in Ireland’s four catchments with the greatest gap to target in terms of nitrogen load reduction.”
It is understood that these will apply to Slaney, Barrow, Nore and (Munster) Blackwater river catchment areas.
Minister Heydon has praised the support for the deroagtion from the European Commissioner for the Environment, Jessika Roswall, who indicated that she was supportive on a visit to Ireland in the Autumn.
“I want to recognise the Commissioner’s engagement with stakeholders and in particular the visit to a typical Irish farm where we saw the best of Ireland’s, outdoor, grass-based system with two generations making a living from the farm. This family farm model, based on animals being outdoors is the cornerstone of our sustainability.”
The Minister added:
“Improving water quality is a critical part of continued access to the Nitrates derogation. This is a key part of our plan, as published last year, ‘Water in Agriculture, a collaborative approach’.
My Department has been working constructively with the sector through the Ag Water Quality Working Group over the year. Irish farmers take their environmental responsibilities very seriously and are on a journey of continuous improvement.”
Earlier this year, the Commission sought assurances on implementation of the Habitats Directive in respect of derogation farms. The Department of Agriculture says that it will now start the process of conducting “catchment level assessments” under the Directive.
The Habitats Directive aims to return plant and animal life to health levels by cutting pollution and protecting the environment.
The government has warned that getting the derogation in line with that ambition will take work.
But Minister Heydon said today would be a relief for farmers, saying it is “something that will give farmers certainty”.
“I will continue to work with farmers on this journey and on the task of improving water quality and ensuring continued availability of the derogation beyond the current decision. This must be our priority now as we chart our way forward.”