ICOS welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue of a new collaborative approach to support the retention of Irelands nitrates derogation.

The plan aims to support schemes with the solitary aim of improving water quality to secure an extension of the derogation. It will build on the Nitrates Action Plan and the work of the Water Quality Working Group established in 2023 of which ICOS is a member.

The plan “Water and agriculture – a collaborative approach includes a range of measures under five key areas:

• Regularity measures.
• Government financial support for farmers.
• Government, industry and farmers working in tandem.
• Further measures and actions.
• Securing Ireland’s next nitrates derogation.

Announcing details of the plan in August, Minister McConalogue said: “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.”

Substantive actions outlined in the plan include:

·        50 ‘water quality advisors’ paid for by government and industry are providing a free service to farmers to improve water quality in priority areas.

·        A €60 million euro innovation programme has been put in place to financially support actions by farmers.

·        A ‘Better Farming for Water’ advisory programme has been put in place by Teagasc.

·        The 70% Nutrient Importation Storage Scheme (NISS) will open for applications week commencing 19 August.

·        A new and separate ‘exempted development’ threshold for ‘stand-alone’ nutrient storage will be provided for as part of a review of planning regulations, following the enactment of the Planning Bill. 

·        Sanction being sought from the Commission to apply a 60% grant and separate ceiling of €90,000 for farmers for nutrient storage from January 2025.

·        Following the conclusion of the Nitrates Action Plan (NAP) review – further agreed measures will come into effect.

·        DAFM to carry out environmental and economic assessments and modelling of impacts.

·        Teagasc to conclude research into slurry and soiled water production.

·        Former ICMSA President John Comer has been appointed as chair of the Agriculture Water Quality Group.

·        Commission officials to visit Ireland in September 2024. Meanwhile ICOS continues to work closely with the Department of Agriculture, state agencies and other farm organisations to promote good practice on farm, with all dairy co-operatives now embracing initiatives to support, educate and incentivise farmers with the sole aim of protecting and improving water quality.