“A derogation is available to Ireland based on specific scientific criteria such as a long growing season. The Irish Government is committed to seeking a further derogation and delivery of improvements in water quality is a critical component of supporting this request. I have secured whole of government support on delivery of these twin objectives and that is why we need a whole of agriculture approach to water quality improvement.”

“Many actions under these five headings are already taking place, such as the reduction in chemical Nitrogen limits and the transition by all farmers to Low Emission Slurry Spreading. Other measures are new and will commence imminently. For example, the 70% capital investment grant aid for nutrient importation scheme (NISS), I introduced in Budget 2024, will open for applications this week. Sufficient slurry storage is vital to the effective use of organic nutrients and the protection of water courses. To further support and facilitate investment in nutrient storage, alongside the continued accelerated capital allowances I secured - that allow storage investments to be written off against tax over just two years - Government has secured approval from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for qualifying investments, in nutrient storage, to be automatically eligible for the green financing discount rate under the Government funded Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme.

“To further enable farmers to build storage, I have secured agreement that following enactment of the new Planning regulations, a separate exempted development threshold will be introduced in respect of stand-alone manure storage facilities. I am also seeking to amend the Rural Development Programme and the CAP Strategic Plan to allow for a 60% grant rate and a dedicated €90,000 ceiling for nutrient storage investments. I am working to have this rate and ceiling in place for January 2025, subject to European Commission approval.”

“I requested that Teagasc would lead a multi-actor water quality advisory campaign to deliver clear, simple and positive messaging to enhance both farmer and industry understanding of the agriculture pressures on water quality and the need for improvement. This has resulted in the “Better Farming for Water 8-actions for change” water quality advisory campaign. I want to acknowledge industry also who are not only engaging with the Government funded €60m Farming for Water EIP, I launched in March, but are spearheading their own water quality programmes too.

“It is such collaboration by all agri stakeholder partners that will see the dial turn for our water quality. I am pleased that a positive working partnership has really come together under the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group (WQG) I established in May 2023. Members have committed to a series of additional actions to improve water quality and I am confident that these will bear fruit in the very near future and that we will start to see improvements in Irish water quality from an agricultural perspective.

“I also want to welcome the appointment of a new chair of the WQG. The group from its next meeting will be chaired by John Comer. John is a highly respected farmer, past president of the ICMSA and his experience of policy, agriculture and involvement in the European Economic and Social Committee will be beneficial to the work of the committee. I thank John for stepping up to this important role.”

“It is not within the gift of the Irish Government to renew the Derogation as it is applied at EU level. Commissioner Sinkevičius on his visit to Ireland, was clear that for Ireland to maintain the Nitrates Derogation that water quality that is good must remain stable and water quality that is less than good must show improvements. Further to this visit, I wrote to the Commissioner inviting his officials to visit Ireland in 2024 to see the progress being made to date on water quality by farmers and the agri-food industry overall. I am delighted to confirm that this visit will take place in September and work on a substantial itinerary is in train.

“It is by working together, all of us, the Government, farmers, industry and the EU Commission that the derogation will be secured into the future. This plan is recognition of what has already been done and steers us toward the progress that can be achieved through collaborative action.”