Revised nitrates plan to be issued

A revised version of the action programme for the implementation of the nitrates directive is to be issued in the next week so stakeholders have a further opportunity to comment before it is finalised for submission to the European Commission.

Environment Minister Martin Cullen, who outlined the timetable in the Dáil, said he and Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh also intend to meet with the farming organisations again shortly on the issue.

He said he also proposes to appoint an independent adviser to review the comments which will be received. Mr Cullen said there is a requirement in the directive each member state must set a general limit not exceeding 170kg per hectare.