Nitrates directive derogation  - A very unwise capitulation

Our record on climate-change targets is so dismal that we must accept bad-neighbour accusations from societies that take environmental responsibilities seriously. We’ve hardly met one and are unlikely to meet any in the immediate future. That same accusation applies to protecting water quality.

There are many reasons for this but one was seen again yesterday when Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed announced that Ireland has been granted a derogation under the EU Nitrates Directive. This allows farmers carry a higher stocking rate than that stipulated in the directive. Higher stocking rates mean higher effluent — nitrates — production and higher greenhouse gas emissions.