Longford farmers will benefit from continued availability of nitrates derogation

Farmers in Longford will benefit from the continued availability of the nitrates derogation.

Deputy Micheál Carrigy welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon that Ireland has secured the continued availability of the nitrates derogation, which is great news for derogation farmers in Longford.

“Securing continued availability of the nitrate’s derogation has been a key priority for Fine Gael. I’m delighted to see that agreement was reached with the Commission on a three-year implementing decision providing for the derogation.

“The implementing decision sets out the conditions for the derogation, including the need to show compliance with the Habitats Directive.

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“I want to recognise Minister Heydon for bringing Commissioner Roswal to Ireland in November, which was such an important component to today’s decision. She saw first-hand the importance of the nitrates derogation to Irish farmers.

“I want to recognise the Commissioner’s engagement with stakeholders and in particular the visit to a typical Irish family farm. The family farm model, based on animals being outdoors, is the cornerstone of our sustainability. 

“Improving water quality is a critical part of continued access to the nitrates derogation. Irish farmers take their environmental responsibilities very seriously and are on a journey of continuous improvement. This objective is shared by all of industry, stakeholders and farmers.

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“We will continue to work with farmers on this journey, 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,” concluded Deputy Micheál Carrigy.

The European Commission's decision to extend Ireland's Nitrates Derogation for a further three years, has also been welcomed by MEP Ciaran Mullooly, however, he voiced serious concerns about the additional conditions introduced by the Commission.

"The new 5% reduction in allowable nitrogen use is not based on any scientific evidence presented by the Commission. Farmers deserve decisions that are grounded in data, not arbitrary restrictions."

He noted that the increased buffer-zone requirements will place further pressure on certain farmers in designated areas, potentially limiting production capacity without a clear environmental justification.

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Mullooly emphasised that farmers continue to feel frustrated and unfairly singled out, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the true causes of water quality issues.

"Farmers have repeatedly raised legitimate concerns that the rivers under surveillance are being affected by non-farming sources - including local authority discharges into the very same rivers and estuaries. Any assessment of water quality must look at all contributors, not just agriculture."

He also highlighted major uncertainty around forthcoming Habitat Directive assessments, including what methodology will be used and how the Commission intends to determine whether the Nitrates Derogation has any measurable impact on protected habitats.

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Mullooly reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that EU environmental regulations are fair, proportionate, and compatible with modern farming practices.

"I said when I was elected that I would work to secure the Nitrates Derogation for Irish farmers - and today, that has been achieved. My focus now is ensuring that future regulations support farmers rather than undermine them."