Nitrates derogation extension for Ireland still far from a 'done deal'
One of the European Commissions conditions for the extension of Ireland's derogation is a 5% reduction in chemical nitrogen allowances.Â
A 5% reduction in chemical nitrogen allowances and increased buffer zones in specific catchments for derogation farmers have been revealed as part of the European Commission's conditions for an extension of Ireland's derogation, the understands.
Included in the catchment areas are Barrow, Nore Slaney and Blackwater. However, the tighter rules would not come into effect until 2028 to allow time for farmers to adjust.
This condition has been based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data quantifying the higher distance to target reductions in nitrogen in these catchments.
The commission also seemingly pushed to include additional conditionality proposals around a reduction to stocking limits and a restriction on new entrants. However, the has been informed these were not agreed to.
Revealed at the proposed extension announcement, should it be granted, Ireland will be subject to and must complete necessary assessments under the Habitats Directive. The European Commission wrote to Ireland back in June seeking assurances regarding compliance with the Habitats Directive.
A well-placed insider said the situation remained "delicate", pending the outcome of the vote on December 9, and warned the conditions were still far from a "done deal".
If the vote is made in favour of Ireland receiving a derogation extension post January 2026, Ireland would be the sole EU member state to be operating under a nitrates derogation.
Agriculture minister Martin Heydon has repeatedly said retaining the nitrates derogation and negotiating a "good deal" to provide security to Irish dairy farmers has been a key priority for his department.
