Government committee to tackle water quality in bid to renew nitrates derogation

The sixth nitrates action programme must be in place before the member state vote at the nitrates committee can grant a derogation

Farmers throughout the country are already engaged in action to mitigate the impact of agriculture on water quality. 

The attempt to renew Ireland's nitrates derogation begins with a presentation by the Government to the European Commission's nitrates committee this month.

Further Irish presentations must follow at the EU nitrates committee quarterly meetings in June and September before a vote can go ahead at the December meeting.