Deputy Brendan Smith has welcomed the publication by his party colleague, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, of a plan to retain Ireland’s nitrates derogation post 2025.

The Cavan-Monaghan TD said the plan outlines the collaborative approach that is being taken on water quality between farmers, government and the wider agri-food sector and relevant state agencies, led by Minister McConalogue.

He said: “Fianna Fáil is absolutely committed to securing a nitrates derogation post 2025 and I welcome the publication of this plan by Minister McConalogue as it outlines how he is leading a national effort to secure the derogation through collaborative action.

“The plan recognises the work that has already been done by Fianna Fáil in government, such as the €60 million euro innovation programme put in place to financially support actions by farmers and the 50 water quality advisors paid for by government and industry, providing a free service to farmers to improve water quality in priority areas.

“The plan details how all stakeholders including farmers, government, the wider agri-food sector and relevant state agencies can work together to secure the derogation post 2025.

“The derogation is crucial to our national farming system. I am committed to doing everything I can to help see our national water quality improved and our derogation retained.”