Farmers Face Uncertainty Over Proposed Habitat Directive Tests

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has expressed serious concern over new proposals discussed by Government that would see widespread environmental assessments carried out at catchment and sub-catchment levels in an effort to support Ireland’s nitrates derogation.

IFA President Francie Gorman confirmed that the proposals were outlined in a Cabinet memo last week and shared with the Agriculture Water Quality Group at a meeting.

According to Mr Gorman, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue advised that the Government is considering a commitment to carry out “appropriate assessments” under the EU Habitats Directive across multiple catchments as part of its plan to retain the derogation.

Mr Gorman described the proposal as “logistically mind-boggling” and said that the IFA had sought much greater clarity from the Minister during a recent meeting. “We could be looking at hundreds of assessments across the country,” he said, warning that even if state-funded, the process would create major uncertainty for individual farmers.

While the IFA acknowledges the legal context—being a notice party in an ongoing case taken by An Taisce—it warned that the scale and complexity of the proposed assessments could have significant implications for farmers, dairy co-ops, processors, and the wider rural economy.

The IFA said it will continue to engage with Government on the issue and is seeking more detailed information on how the assessments would be carried out and their potential impact on farm operations.