Protecting Ireland's waterways is not a partisan issue

We have unwisely banked on maintaining the derogation status quo to fuel intensified and unsustainable agricultural production over the past decade.

Whilst it can be heralded as an achievement of sorts, it is really an indication of intent that must now be followed by action. 

Water quality is everyone’s problem, but for many, this week’s announcement spells uncertainty, and a deep concern for their future.

We have repeatedly raised this risk with government ministers and officials and highlighted that a sudden withdrawal of the derogation would leave farmers facing a crisis, with enormous ramifications for their businesses. 

We’re now very close to that point. 

To date there has been an ongoing failure by the State and farm leadership to plan for that potential scenario, with little to no apparent discussion about how to best manage that risk and prepare farmers for this very eventuality.

While there is much discussion of this new development being a ‘shifting of the goal posts’ for farmers, or a new requirement, it is in fact a legal obligation which dates back to 1992. 

The Irish Government was made aware of the requirement for these types of assessments at least as far back as 2021, by their own environmental consultants, but did nothing to communicate that risk to farmers, leading us to the current cliff edge.

It’s now long past time for Government to put in place a well thought through and resourced plan to transition impacted farmers away from the high stocking densities the derogation allowed. 

There is a need for strong leadership to support and protect the farming community, at the same time as we protect our rivers, lakes, and estuaries.

The importance of protecting our collective waterways through sustainable land and water management is not something we should take different sides on. 

Decisive action must now follow the words.

Gary Freemantle

CEO, An Taisce

Foster Place, Dublin 2