New inspectors for nitrates programme

Inspectors are likely to concentrate on the “red” map areas draining to polluted waterbodies. 

The EPA’s 2022 Water Quality in Ireland report found only 54% of surface waters in satisfactory ecological health, with overall water quality declining. Only 36% of estuaries were in satisfactory condition.

An extra 57 inspectors are being hired for the nitrates action programme, as the implications of the European Commission’s tougher anti-pollution demands on Irish farmers sink in.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has produced a map for the commission.