Dolan welcomes continued availability of nitrates derogation for farmers

Local Cllr John Dolan has welcomed an announcement by Government allowing continued availability of the nitrates derogation which "will benefit farmers in Westmeath".

Local dairy farmers will enjoy a three-year extension to a derogation allowing them to spread higher levels of fertiliser on their land, following a European Union vote this week.

The nitrates derogation, which allows 7,000 Irish dairy farmers to spread more fertiliser on their land than their European counterparts, had been due to expire at the end of this year.

“Securing continued availability of the nitrate’s derogation has been a key priority for Fine Gael.

“I’m delighted to see that agreement was reached with the Commission on a three-year implementing decision providing for the derogation.

“The implementing decision sets out the conditions for the derogation, including the need to show compliance with the Habitats Directive.

“I want to recognise our Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, for bringing Commissioner Roswal to Ireland in November, which was such an important component to today’s decision. She saw first-hand the importance of the nitrates derogation to Irish farmers.

“I want to recognise the Commissioner’s engagement with stakeholders and in particular the visit to a typical Irish family farm. The family farm model, based on animals being outdoors, is the cornerstone of our sustainability.

“As a dairy farmer in derogation myself, I and my fellow farmers recognise that improving water quality is a critical part of continued access to the nitrates derogation.

"Farmers take their environmental responsibilities very seriously and are on a journey of continuous improvement. This objective is shared by all of industry, stakeholders and farmers.

“We will continue to work with farmers on this journey, on the task of improving water quality and ensuring continued availability of the derogation beyond the current decision. This must be our priority now as we chart our way forward,” Cllr Dolan stated.