Madam, - IFA president Padraig Walshe (January 26th) claims that nitrate pollution is insignificant in Ireland and that the EU Nitrates Directive should not be applied to Irish farming.
His argument is wrong and disingenuous. Across Europe and the developed world, intensification of farming is contributing significantly to higher levels of eutrophication in rivers and lakes, as well as groundwater pollution. Ireland is not an exception to this trend.
The latest EPA report on water quality showed that 20 per cent of groundwater samples analysed across some 300 stations had nitrate concentrations above EU guide levels. In addition, some 27 per cent of Irish rivers are affected by eutrophication. There is also widespread bacteriological contamination of groundwater and drinking water supplies by livestock manure.
It is against this background that the Government has been working with the European Commission and farming interests to design a practical and effective approach to preventing and limiting nitrate pollution. Our aim throughout has been to ensure necessary environmental improvements on a least-cost basis to the farming community.
The national Nitrates Action Programme submitted to the European Commission reflects these concerns. Based on its recent submission, the Irish Government is now working closely with the Commission to secure a derogation based on Ireland's particular farming and environmental conditions. Our priority now is to ensure this vital flexibility in the operation of the nitrates regime. We will also work to assist farmers in meeting the new requirements through information, advice and grant assistance for additional storage, new methods of disposing of excess slurry and other measures. - Yours, etc,
DICK ROCHE TD,
Minister for the Environment,
Heritage and
Local Government,
Dáil Éireann,
Dublin 2.