Roche defers phosphate limits

A SHORT deferral of the controversial phosphate limits in the regulations governing the EU nitrates directive was announced yesterday by Environment Minister Dick Roche.

The decision, following consultation with the European Commission, was described by Irish Farmers Association president Padraig Walshe as a first step in breaking the impasse over the regulations, which are to take effect on Wednesday.

Mr Walshe said the nitrates limits were equally problematic, as were other regulatory conditions.