Farmers in Clare are welcoming the extension of the nitrates derogation which it’s claimed gives the sector “certainty” for the next three years.
The derogation, which was due to expire at the end of this month, allows roughly 7,000 Irish farmers to keep more livestock per acre than permitted under EU legislation.
The sixth nitrates derogation since 2006, agreed yesterday, gives a cohort of farmers an exemption from the EU Nitrates Directive.
This directive restricts the amount of fertiliser, including slurry, that farmers can use in order to protect waterways from agricultural run-off.
This effectively puts a cap on the number of livestock farmers can keep.
As part of the new derogation, a reduction in chemical nitrogen allowances and increased buffer zones around rivers have been agreed.
Authorities will also be required to conduct inspections on at least 10% of derogation farms annually to ensure they’re meeting water protection targets.
Cratloe farmer and former Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association General Secretary Eddie Punch says the extension is crucial given the level of investment farmers are putting into their farms.
An Taisce has branded the move as “shocking”, saying it’s a “bad day” for Irish waterbodies and referencing recent EPA data showing Ireland as “going backwards” when it comes to protecting water quality.
Additionally, the body says those responsible for keeping Ireland’s water in good ecological status “have not been holding up our end of the bargain and just keep pushing out the day of reckoning”.
Scariff farmer and Independent MEP Michael McNamara believes our sectors should share the burden of reducing pollution.
You can listen to the full interview here:
