Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has acknowledged receipt of a number of reports prepared by Teagasc as part of the ongoing work in preparing Ireland’s next Nitrates Action Programme and importantly securing a continuance of Ireland’s nitrates derogation.

These reports were prepared by Teagasc at the request of Minister Heydon before Ireland’s current Nitrates Action Programme and nitrates derogation both expire at the end of this year.

Teagasc previously indicated to the Irish Farmers Journal that the loss of the nitrates derogation could cost the Irish economy close to €300m.

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The Minister said that his Department brought a number of reports to the Ag Water Quality Group on Wednesday.

"These reports were prepared by Teagasc in line with commitments made in water and agriculture – a collaborative approach. I very much welcome the constructive stakeholder engagement that took place today around these reports, which underscores the importance of Ireland’s nitrates derogation to our rural economy and will inform future policy, as well as ongoing discussions, at a national and European level," he said.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is working closely with the Department of Agriculture to develop Ireland’s next Nitrates Action Programme, which is due to run from 2026 to 2029.

In parallel with this, there is significant on-going all-of-Government engagement to secure Ireland’s next Nitrates Derogation.

Acknowledging the contribution of Teagasc, the Minister continued: “To succeed in securing a sustainable future for Irish agriculture, it is vital that our policies are underpinned by the best available science. I wish to commend and acknowledge the many researchers across Teagasc who were involved in preparing these important reports.”

Minister Heydon concluded: “I am reflecting on the constructive engagement and stakeholders’ views outlined at today’s meeting of the Ag Water Quality Group as my officials continue to work very closely with colleagues in Minister Browne’s Department to finalise the proposed measures for Ireland’s next Nitrates Action Programme. Minister Browne will bring the draft programme for public consultation in the coming weeks."