Councillor John Paul O’Shea today welcomed the publication of the Nitrates Derogation Renewal Plan by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. The plan, titled “Water and Agriculture, a Collaborative Approach,” outlines key actions to secure Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation post-2025, emphasizing its importance for farmers in Cork North West and across Ireland.
Cllr. O’Shea commended the government’s commitment to supporting farmers while ensuring environmental sustainability. “This plan is crucial for our farming community here in Cork North West. The actions outlined, including the financial support and advisory services, will directly benefit our local farmers as they continue to balance productive farming with the need to protect water quality,” he stated.
The plan introduces several measures that are of particular significance to the farming community in Cork North West. These include the opening of the 70% Nutrient Importation Storage Scheme (NISS), which will provide essential financial support to farmers for nutrient storage, helping them manage their resources more effectively. Additionally, the €60 million innovation programme will enable local farmers to adopt practices that improve water quality, ensuring that Cork North West remains a leader in sustainable agriculture.
Cllr. O’Shea also highlighted the importance of the “Better Farming for Water” advisory programme, which is set to play a key role in helping farmers enhance their practices for better water quality outcomes. “The government’s approach of providing dedicated water quality advisors, funded by both government and industry, will be invaluable to farmers in our region,” he said.
In closing, Cllr. O’Shea emphasized the collaborative nature of the plan and its potential to make a significant impact. “The success of this plan depends on all stakeholders working together – government, farmers, and industry. I am confident that with this support, our farmers in Cork North West will continue to operate successfully while protecting our precious water resources.”
