Offaly farmers told they have responsibility for water quality

THE battle for another derogation from the EU nitrates directive will begin as soon as this week, an IFA meeting in Tullamore was told.

However, Paul O'Brien, South Leinster IFA regional chair, warned farmers that they will have to continue making improvements to their yards to satisfy ever more stringent water quality requirements.

Mr O'Brien told the IFA breakfast meeting on Friday that a crucial vote at EU level was scheduled for early this week (Tuesday, December 9) where an outcome favourable to Ireland was expected.

He said it looked likely Ireland would be getting a three-year derogation - two years with a review of one year.

But he added: “The fight for the next derogation effectively starts on December 10th.”

Leaked information indicated the terms of the derogation to be adopted for the next three years will focus on four river catchment areas, the Barrow, the Slaney, the Blackwater and the Nore.

“Those catchments are probably going to be under the most scrutiny because nitrate levels have increased there over the last number of years.”

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He said a 5% reduction of inorganic fertiliser from 2028 is being considered.

“Farmers need time to adjust, to work with new regulations.”

Even with the derogation – which will allow Irish farmers spread more fertiliser than other EU countries – some steps will have to be taken.

Storage will probably have to be increased, said Mr O'Brien, but the advantage of knowing the work that has to be done means farmers will be able to go to the bank with a business plan.

The original derogation was four years but it has been shortened. “Things are changing but I'd be appealing to everybody, if you think that there's a little bit more work you've to do in your yards, then I'm afraid you're going to have to consider that has to be done over the next number of years. It's getting harder and harder to keep the derogation and keep the fight going.”

He indicated that there may be tensions between some farmers who were spending significant sums on their yards while others who were not.

“It's getting harder and harder for people to accept if you've spent hundreds of thousands on your yard [and] somebody [else] potentially not doing anything.”

Asked by one farmer what would happen if water quality does not improvement in spite of money being spent, Mr O'Brien said there had been historical investment in the water infrastructure by county councils and Uisce Eireann.

“All sectors of society across the board are going to have to improve but bear in mind our water quality in Ireland is still one of the very very best in the EU and drinking water quality is good. Our estuary water compared to other countries in Europe is very, very good. But we just have to improve, particularly where we know there are issues,” said Mr O'Brien.

He added: “We have a responsibility as farmers as well.”

Pat Walsh, Offaly IFA chair said not only would the derogation have to be maintained but it should not be “over regulated”.