Heydon urges EU to extend Ireland’s nitrates derogation

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has met European Commissioner for the Environment, Jessika Roswall in Brussels to discuss Ireland’s bid to continue its nitrates derogation.

Mr Heydon stressed the importance of the derogation to the Irish agri-food sector and invited the Commissioner to visit Ireland to see first-hand work under way to improve water quality.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said he welcomed the “constructive” engagement. The talks followed a visit to Ireland last week by senior officials from the European Commission’s DG Environment, which included a stop at a derogation farm in Co Meath.

Mr Heydon confirmed that Ms Roswall will travel to Ireland in November. “We are looking forward to welcoming Commissioner Roswall for a visit that will provide a further opportunity for engagement in a very practical way,” he said. “Securing an extension to Ireland’s nitrates derogation remains a key Government priority.”

Ireland is seeking permission to continue applying in excess of 170kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare from 2026. The derogation under the EU nitrates directive allows, on scientific grounds, a higher limit on the application of livestock manure nitrogen to land.

Officials argue the measure is justified by Ireland’s grass-based outdoor livestock production system, which is shaped by high rainfall, a long grass-growing season and the ability to produce high-yielding crops that use high levels of nitrogen.