Co-op body quits talks over nitrates

THE Government’s Social Partnership process took another blow yesterday when the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) pulled out of the negotiations because of the way the nitrates regulations are being introduced.

ICOS is the umbrella body for the country’s co-ops and its announcement followed similar action by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and Macra na Feirme.

The nitrates directive is a European Union measure aimed at protecting water from agricultural pollution. It came into force in Ireland on February 1, except for one part dealing with phosphorus limits, which has been deferred to allow further scientific examination by Teagasc.