The derogation is an important facility for more intensive farmers, particularly in the dairy sector.

Consultation on Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation

The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and the Department of Housing, Planning, Planning and Local Government, are providing a short extension to the Public Consultation on Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation until May 24th to facilitate all stakeholders in their engagement on this important issue.  

 

The derogation is an important facility for more intensive farmers, particularly in the dairy sector and it is essential that its environmental credentials are maintained. Almost 7,000 intensively stocked farmers with an agricultural area of 466,000 hectares availed of the derogation in 2018 with this being a marked increase in both the area and the number farming under derogation since 2014.

A jointly chaired (DHPLG and DAFM) Expert Review Group has been convened to consider all submissions received during public consultation and will present its findings to both Ministers.  A copy of the consultation document is available on the Departments website at either

 

https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ruralenvironmentsustainability/environmentalobligations/nitrates/2019nitratesderogationreview/