Thursday 31st October 2024
Plans to establish a new Cabinet Committee on Water Quality represents Fine Gael’s absolute commitment to retaining the nitrates derogation, Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea said.
Cllr. O’Shea, who is running for Fine Gael in the General Election in Cork North West, said An Taoiseach Simon Harris’ plans for a new committee focused on water quality represents the best possible chance of retaining Ireland’s nitrates derogation.
Cllr O’Shea said: “The nitrates derogation is an asset on which farmers across Cork North West depend. Ireland has a unique grass-based livestock production system with over 92% of our agricultural land under grassland.
“The loss of the derogation would have significant negative impacts not only for the farmers directly affected in Cork North West but also the wider agriculture sector and our rural economy.
“An Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced plans to establish a new Cabinet Committee on Water Quality, to drive improvements directly from the Department of the Taoiseach and steer a national effort to retain the derogation.
“This will bring representatives from Government departments, Irish Water, local authorities, the EPA and others around the table to ensure no one is passing the buck, and no one is working in a silo.
“Farmers across Cork North West are doing their bit to improve water quality, and Fine Gael in Government will support them in those efforts.
“An Taoiseach Simon Harris is leading on the retention of the derogation for the agriculture sector, but in order to secure the derogation post-2025, we need to ensure Fine Gael remains in Government.
“While other parties have been ambiguous on this issue in the past, Fine Gael has always been steadfast in our absolute commitment to retaining the derogation post-2025. Ultimately, if you want a Government that listens to farmers and stands up for farmers, you need to vote for it”, concluded Cllr. O’Shea
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