The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released updated evidence to better target agricultural measures aimed at protecting and improving water quality. The new report includes three key updates.

First, it details the scale of nitrogen load reductions needed in catchments across the southeastern half of Ireland, where nitrogen levels remain excessively high. Second, the agency has published a new edition of the Farm and Landscape measures for Agriculture map, previously known as the Targeting Agricultural Measures map. Third, the report extends datasets on catchment nitrogen concentrations and nitrogen load reductions needed, covering the period from 1990 to 2024, providing broader context for current levels.

These updates build on the EPA’s latest report on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Concentrations in Irish Waters 2024. While nitrogen levels showed some reduction last year, they remain too elevated in southeastern catchments. Some areas have met required nitrogen reduction targets, and many catchments are closer to their goals compared to the 2017 to 2019 assessment. However, current levels still lag behind those recorded between 2008 and 2011, when nitrogen concentrations were nearest to meeting ecological targets over the past 35 years.

The EPA emphasises that continued and sustained efforts are necessary in higher-risk, freely draining agricultural areas to reduce nitrogen losses before aquatic ecological health and overall water quality improve. The updated FLAG map identifies these highest risk areas and outlines the types of actions required.

The full report and the updated FLAG map are available on the EPA website. For more information on local water quality and the new map, interested parties can visit the EPA online.

For media inquiries, contact Emily Williamson at the EPA Media Relations Office on 053-9170770 or via email at media@epa.ie.