The maximum penalties that can be imposed by the courts for breaches of the nitrates regulations have been increased by the Minister of the Environment John Gormley.
The previous maximum penalties of €3,000 and/or six months in prison for a summary offence have been raised to €5,000 and/or three months imprisonment.
The regulations, which limit the quantity of manure farmers can spread on their land to protect the water table, were established to bring Ireland in line with the EU Nitrates Directive.
The courts will also be able to impose a €500,000 fine and/or a one year prison sentence for indictable offences under the regulations.
Mr Gormley said: "The maximum fines permitted by the original nitrates regulations were disproportionately low and did not reflect the potential gravity of offences."
He said: "The new Regulations provide a more realistic range of fines which can be applied by the courts."
"It will be a matter for the relevant court to determine the appropriate level of penalty in any particular case having regard to all the circumstances of the case," he added.
The new regulations also mean that Ireland has finally been brought into compliance with the EU Nitrates Directive.
The move by Minister Gormley will permit the Commission to close the infringements case against Ireland in relation to inadequate implementation of the directive.
The requirement for increased penalties was the sole issue remaining to be resolved in the case.
