The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has urged the newly formed Cabinet committee on water quality to take a comprehensive and coordinated approach in ensuring that all sectors play their part. According to the IFA’s environment committee chair, John Murphy, the inclusion of this committee in the government’s programme is a positive step towards retaining Ireland’s derogation and working towards evidence-based solutions for farmers to improve water quality.
The Cabinet committee, chaired by the Taoiseach, will bring together various stakeholders including farmers, industry, state agencies, and local authorities to address water quality issues. Murphy emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach and the need for Ireland to achieve its targets in this regard.
He also raised concerns about the slow progress in addressing non-compliance in wastewater treatment plants and its potential impact on retaining the derogation and implementing a workable Nitrates Action Programme. The recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report showing a reduction in nitrogen concentrations is a positive sign, but Murphy stressed the need for all farmers to use available tools and advice to improve water quality.
He also highlighted the importance of the newly launched 60% grant aid for nutrient storage investments and called for the immediate introduction of an exempted development threshold for stand-alone nutrient storage units. With the passing of the Planning and Development Act, this step is crucial in supporting farmers to invest in additional storage capacity for better nutrient management.
The IFA believes that a collaborative effort from all sectors is necessary to achieve meaningful improvements in water quality. The new Cabinet committee will play a crucial role in coordinating these efforts and ensuring that all sectors fulfill their responsibilities. To read more, visit the original article from Agriland.ie here: https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/water-quality-committee-must-ensure-all-sectors-play-their-part/