‘Stop moving goalposts on nitrates’ Mullooly tells Europe

MEP Ciarán Mullooly has called for clarity on the rules regarding the nitrates derogation for Ireland.

Stating that the job of the Irish farmer is getting tougher, the Midlands North West MEP expressed frustration this week on behalf of the sector over additional European regulations now being demanded.

“After months of diligent work on water quality aimed at retaining our nitrates directive, comes yet another demand. An assessment under the habitats directive was never part of this process up to now. It was never needed,” Mullooly stated, stressing that the nitrates derogation is “essential” to the viability of Ireland’s grass-based farming model.

MEP Mullooly stressed to the European Parliament that in improving water quality and meeting existing environmental requirements, the family farmers of Ireland have delivered on the requests made of them.

“This has been confirmed by the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency’s) latest report on water quality with significant reductions in nitrate levels,” he said.

He continued: “It is the clear understanding of the Irish farming sector that adopting new technologies and strategies to protect water quality, particularly in areas with higher stocking rates per acre, would be sufficient to meet the required standards to retain the derogation. This derogation is not optional, it’s vital for the livelihoods of thousands of farm families."

Calling for “urgent clarity” on the issue, MEP Mullooly called on the Irish Agriculture Minister to engage with the commissioner and seek clear, concise guidelines - “and stop this ridiculous charade that's going on, before the Commission moves the goalposts again!”