European Commissioner due in Ireland soon to discuss nitrates derogation

Virginijus Sinkevicius’s visit is happening despite the European Commission saying the nitrates derogation will not be changed. File picture: EC Audiovisual Service

The European Environment Commissioner is to visit Ireland in the coming weeks, it has been confirmed, just days after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar intervened in the dispute over the nitrates derogation.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue met the commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevičius, in Brussels on Monday at a gathering of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. A spokesperson for the minister confirmed that Mr Sinkevičius will visit Ireland shortly, adding that the two had a “positive” discussion at their meeting.