Senators criticise An Taisce for challenging EU's nitrates decision

An Taisce is arguing the European Commission failed to protect Irish water quality amidst rising pollution levels

One senator said the challenge risks doing enormous damage to rural Ireland, farm families, the agrifood sector and the 7,000 farmers who are in derogation. File picture

An Taisce is challenging the European Union's decision to grant Ireland a three-year extension of its nitrates derogation.

It is arguing the European Commission failed to protect Irish water quality amidst rising pollution levels. But members of the Senate have sharply criticised An Taisce for requesting the commission to withdraw the permission.