Tirlán expands water quality learnings across Co-op catchment

Tirlán set to expand its 'Farming for Water' project in an effort to improve on-farm economic and environmental performances with members

From left: Dr Lisa Koep, chief ESG officer, Tirlán; Gorka Barrio Montoya, EU Commission; Cheryl Poole, John Murphy, Tirlán chairperson. Front: Humberto Delgado Rosa, EU Commission; and Alan Poole. Picture: Mary Browne

The award-winning ‘Farming for Water: River Slaney Project’ across the Nore, Barrow, Boyne, Blackwater and Suir has announced its expansion.

Tirlán Co-op chairperson John Murphy announced the expansion this week. Tirlán said the expansion was part of the Co-op’s ongoing commitment to support Co-op members improve on-farm economic and environmental performance and on-farm actions taking place as part of Teagsac’s collaborative ‘Better Farming for Water Campaign’. 

Mr Murphy said the move was timely given nitrates derogation discussions with the European Commission are expected to begin in 2028.

“Planning for the next derogation starts now. This was my clear message in December when I spoke with senior European Commission officials and members of the European Parliament in Brussels,” he said.

The engagement by our Co-op members to date has been very constructive and positive. I know this will continue into 2026 as we all seek to address water quality challenges in our local communities and give ourselves every chance of the continuation of the derogation, post 2028.

Tirlán chief executive Seán Molloy commended the huge number of on-farm actions taken by farm family suppliers, supported by their Co-op, to enhance water quality and future-proof their family-based enterprises.

“I am delighted to confirm that Tirlán has worked with our Co-op members and submitted Farming For Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) funding applications to the value of €6m.

"This has helped fund practical measures that will make a direct impact on water quality. These include training courses, nutrient use efficiency actions, fencing off water courses and solar-powered electric fences,” he added.

Tirlán Co-op members are now encouraged to review their EIP applications and ensure measures applied for are implemented on-farm. This can be done with the support of Tirlán’s agri-sustainability team.

Mr Molloy acknowledged the considerable work by Government, members of the European Parliament, Teagasc, farm organisations, and most importantly Co-op members in securing the nitrates derogation.

However, he called on the Government to work to practically satisfy the Habitats Directive requirement without delay to ensure Co-op members remain in derogation post 2028 and full TAMS funding is available for additional on-farm nutrient storage requirements.