Ireland has secured a three-year extension to the Nitrates Derogation

"Significant work has been undertaken since we notified the Nitrates Committee of our request for continued access to the facility over a year ago. 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. Today's vote marks the success of that part of the process. We now begin the next stage, commencing the work of addressing the key conditionality within the derogation decision"

"Following a positive vote, the implementing decision will be adopted by the Commission in due course. The implementing decision sets out the conditions under which Ireland must operate the derogation, including the need to demonstrate enhanced compliance with the Habitats Directive along with 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."

Following a vote in Brussels, Ireland secured placement of a three-year implementing decision for a Nitrates derogation before the Nitrates Committee. The derogation request relied on scientific criteria aligned with Ireland's grass-based outdoor production model and followed over a year of preparatory work. The implementing decision is a legal instrument that, after a positive Committee vote, will be adopted by the Commission and will set operational conditions, including enhanced Habitats Directive compliance. From 2028, additional requirements will apply to farmers in four catchments with the largest nitrogen load reduction gaps. The Department has engaged with the sector via the Ag Water Quality Working Group.

Read at Irish Independent