Ireland's new Nitrates Directive ramps up rules for spreading

The new action programme will run until the end of 2025

The changes in the nitrates action programme include a phased approach for Low Emission Slurry Spreading (2023-2025) for farms above 100kg/ha.

A longer closed period for spreading both chemical and organic fertiliser, a 10% reduction in the chemical fertiliser limit applied nationally, and a stronger focus on compliance and enforcement, are all among the measures included in Ireland’s new Nitrates Directive.

The new action programme came into effect Friday and will run until the end of 2025, with an interim review taking place in 2023.