There is a lot of work to be done for Ireland to retain the nitrates derogation, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal on Thursday at the National Ploughing Championships, she said her party would be keeping the pressure on Government, the Minister for Agriculture but also on the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to make sure that the derogation is delivered.
“Because to my recollection, they all made a commitment to protect the derogation as well. I have to say, under the last Government I thought the Minister for Agriculture at the time was quite laissez faire in terms of how he went about this piece of work," she said, referring to former Minister Charlie McConalogue.
More active
“So we will be expecting to see the minister to be much more active, much more present and engaged. And, at a minimum, to travel to do meetings face to face and to ensure that the European system understands the importance of this matter to Irish farming,” she said.
She said it was important that that the derogation is retained.
“It is also important that there is a partnership between the state and farming and science in terms of water quality.
“I haven’t met a farmer yet who is indifferent or doesn’t care about water quality, it’s essential for all of us. I think that square can be circled,” she said.
For more, tune into the Plough On Podcast on Thursday and pick up next week’s Irish Farmers Journal.
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There is a lot of work to be done for Ireland to retain the nitrates derogation, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal on Thursday at the National Ploughing Championships, she said her party would be keeping the pressure on Government, the Minister for Agriculture but also on the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to make sure that the derogation is delivered.
“Because to my recollection, they all made a commitment to protect the derogation as well. I have to say, under the last Government I thought the Minister for Agriculture at the time was quite laissez faire in terms of how he went about this piece of work," she said, referring to former Minister Charlie McConalogue.
More active
“So we will be expecting to see the minister to be much more active, much more present and engaged. And, at a minimum, to travel to do meetings face to face and to ensure that the European system understands the importance of this matter to Irish farming,” she said.
She said it was important that that the derogation is retained.
“It is also important that there is a partnership between the state and farming and science in terms of water quality.
“I haven’t met a farmer yet who is indifferent or doesn’t care about water quality, it’s essential for all of us. I think that square can be circled,” she said.
For more, tune into the Plough On Podcast on Thursday and pick up next week’s Irish Farmers Journal.
Read more
Race for the Áras: candidates compete for farming vote at Ploughing
Ploughing 2025: Taoiseach promises supports for tillage sector
Screggan sees farmers in flying form
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