Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has welcomed the three-year extension of Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation as a positive outcome for the Irish dairy sector, while urging caution over the additional terms attached.
Yesterday, the European Nitrates Committee voted to extend Ireland’s nitrates derogation for a further three years but attached terms and conditions to the extension. The extension came after large scale lobbying efforts in Brussels by Irish MEPs, Government ministers, farming representatives and Irish officials.
The extension was approved yesterday by the European Nitrates Committee following significant lobbying efforts by Irish MEPs, Government ministers, farm representatives and officials. However, the renewed derogation carries new requirements, including proof of compliance with the Habitats Directive. Farms in four river catchments with the largest gaps to nitrogen-reduction targets will also face a 5% cut in chemical fertiliser use and expanded buffer-strip obligations from 2028.
Ní Mhurchú acknowledged the substantial progress farmers have made in improving water quality and called for enhanced supports and financial assistance to help them meet the new conditions while remaining economically viable.
According to Ní Mhurchú,
“Some 7,000 Irish dairy farmers operate under the derogation and are central to the rural economy, sustaining jobs and activity across towns and villages,” she said. “Farmers have already taken major steps to improve water quality and adopt more sustainable practices. They deserve a fair, workable framework — not shifting goalposts or new conditions introduced without consultation.”
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