Eileen Lynch
Agricultural Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I thank the Minister for being here this evening. This is an important motion. It is vital to discuss rural Ireland and its continued and ongoing development. It deserves policies that recognise its value and invest in its future. I am from north-west Cork, which is quite rural.”
“They are community hubs as well and it is vital that the Government supports them because we are seeing so many closures in villages which now do not have places for people to meet. Many of them provide a community service and the scheme needs to be looked at in budget 2027.”
“I welcome the progress made under the rural safety plan, including the roll-out of local community safety partnerships. It is an area we need to focus on where we have seen increases in rural burglaries. We need to look at how we could make people feel safer in their own homes.”
“They are being addressed through a whole-of-government approach, rather than with piecemeal measures, and that is vital. In north-west Cork, we have seen the benefits of this investment. The completion of the Macroom bypass has transformed travel on the N22. It has improved safety and made Macroom town a much better place to be.”
“It has improved Local Link services, supported regional enterprise and invested in community facilities across the country. I commend the Minister on the work he is doing on community facilities as well as previous Fine Gael Ministers in that Department, including former Deputies Heather Humphreys and Michael Ring.”
“It is great that the building has been brought back into use and the services it now provides will be invaluable to Gaeltacht Mhúscraí. My colleagues who have spoken have raised the matter of agriculture. This is very much at the heart of rural Ireland.”
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“If this succeeds, the consequences will be severe and will lead to reduced stocking rates, loss of income and a direct hit to rural economies right across the country. I urge An Taisce to reconsider this approach and to engage in meaningful dialogue instead of pursuing this adversarial action that will ultimately harm the very communities we are all meant to serve.”
“At a time when farmers are already under immense pressure as a result of rising costs, regulatory burdens and the growing global uncertainty, this action sends a terrible message that ideology is being prioritised over practicality and litigation over collaboration. We have to protect our water quality. Farmers want to protect their water quality. Anyone in derogation wants to protect water quality. Progress is made by working with farmers, not working against them, and by supporting behavioural change, investment and innovation rather than by seeking to query a decision that has already been made and that was fought hard for by the Minister for agriculture, MEPs and politicians here. What An Taisce is doing risks undermining confidence. It could damage livelihoods and create division where unity is needed.”
“I rise to call out the deeply irresponsible actions of An Taisce. Yesterday, it sought to challenge Ireland's nitrates derogation, which we were successful in securing last year. This is a move that risks doing enormous damage to rural Ireland, farm families, the agrifood sector and the 7,000 farmers who are in derogation. Derogation is not a loophole or a shortcut, it is scientifically grounded and tightly regulated. It reflects the reality of Ireland's grass-based farming model. As I mentioned, it supports 7,000 family farms while still operating within a robust environmental framework. Despite all of this, we now see An Taisce asking the EU Commission to reconsider its decision to grant a nitrates derogation.”
“I do not believe that the lack of accountability when it comes to the RTB is fair. We are asking tenants and landlords to operate in a highly regulated system and to meet high standards. There are rights and responsibilities attributed to both, and we need to acknowledge both. I do not think it is acceptable that a State body can initiate a process and then be unable to complete it due to a lack of basic information that should be available. Why is there no alternative mechanism available to ensure that cases can proceed? Will the Minister look at this closely and consider bringing forward practical solutions to deal with these issues?”
“The tenant refused to engage with them and threatened them. The reason I mention that the tenant was in receipt of HAP is that in order to be in receipt of it, they would need to have been registered with the county council. When the landlord tried to raise a complaint with the RTB, it found that it could not serve any notice on the tenant because it did not have their address. In such cases, it is vital that we would have co-operation between local authorities and the RTB. While there is an ombudsman when it comes to the RTB, the way in which it works is that you first deal with your complaint, whether tenant or landlord, with the RTB. The latter makes a decision order and if either party does not comply with that, you can then take the matter to court. However, if you do not have an order, you cannot take the matter any further.”
“I rise today to highlight a serious and growing gap in our rental system. That is the lack of accountability within the Residential Tenancies Board, RTB, particularly in cases involving landlords who are left without recourse through no fault of their own. We often speak about the need to protect tenants. That is right and the RTB plays a serious role in that. However, fairness when it comes to our housing system must go both ways. It has to serve the tenant and the landlord. I am raising this matter because I have been made aware of a case involving an elderly couple who owned a property that they leased to a tenant who was in receipt of the housing assistance payment, HAP. The tenant destroyed the house and the owners found it very difficult to bring it back into full working order afterwards.”
“We now have the opportunity once again to demonstrate our ability to lead, to build consensus and to advance a European agenda that delivers for citizens. I hope we take this opportunity to do so.”
“Ireland, with our long tradition of constitutional democracy and respect for international laws, is well placed to champion these values during our Presidency and I hope that we progress them. As I mentioned, our Presidency will take place against a backdrop of wider geopolitical uncertainty, tensions between global powers to ongoing conflict in eastern Europe and currently the conflict in the Gulf. These developments remind us that European co-operation is not optional; it is essential. We have a proud record of constructive engagement in Europe. During our last Presidency we successfully brokered significant agreements including reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and progress of the European budget framework.”
“We have been disappointed to see a decrease in that budget in light of a further budget going to other security measures. However, we have to prioritise our food security and our young farmers and ensure we have enough food going forward. That cannot be overstated. In relation to values, we have to remember that the European Union started as a peace project. It is a union founded on shared principles, democracy, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. At a time when these principles are challenged, not just within the Union but outside Europe, it is vital that we remain steadfast in defending them. The rule of law is the foundation upon which trust between member states is built. Without it, the functioning of the Single Market, judicial co-operation and democratic governance cannot be sustained.”
“We are in a very interesting position in terms of our stance on security. We have to understand that term broadly. It includes the protection of infrastructure, digital systems and democratic institutions. It also includes food security, which has become a central concern in the wake of global disruptions and conflict. European farmers and food producers are essential to our resilience. Ensuring a stable food supply, sustainable agriculture production and strong rural communities is not only an economic necessity, it is also a strategic priority for the EU. In an increasingly uncertain world, the ability to feed ourselves and support sustainable farming systems is fundamental to European stability. The Presidency will be held by Ireland from July to December. That will give us a real opportunity to further the CAP negotiations.”
“Investment in research, digital transformation, green technology and skills will be essential if Europe is to maintain economic strength and provide further opportunities for our citizens. For Ireland, competitiveness is closely linked to regional development, innovation in agriculture and food production and ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises across rural and urban communities can thrive in the European economy. I also hope we will use this opportunity to progress the savings and investment union package. It has been spoken about frequently internally in the past while. I hope we can progress it. It is important for individual citizens in terms of their savings, but is also important for SMEs in terms of access to finance. Security has never been more important.”
“This is a great chance for us to bring the European Union closer to our people and for them to see how important it is. War is continuing on all of Europe's borders, global supply chains remain fragile and the international order is under massive strain. We face massive challenges to our democratic institutions, economic resilience and security. In that context, Ireland's leadership will matter not just for us but for the future of Europe. I welcome the themes underpinning the Presidency, namely competitiveness, security and value, and are timely and necessary. Regarding competitiveness, Europe must remain an innovative outward looking economy, capable of competing in a rapidly changing global marketplace. The Single Market is one of the European Union's greatest achievements, but it must continue to evolve.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as a bheith anseo linn inniu chun na ráitis seo maidir leis an Eoraip a phlé. It is important that we are having this discussion. We have an opportunity in terms of hosting the Presidency. As previous speakers indicated, this is a time of real geopolitical uncertainty. Cyprus currently holds the Presidency. It continues to do so despite what is going on there. This goes to show how fragile the international situation is at the moment. We have a real opportunity when hosting the Presidency to bring Europe back to the Irish people. While over 80% of Irish people are quite happy with Ireland being a member state of the EU and want it to remain so, the figure in this regard underwent a slight dip in 2025.”
“On International Women's Day and in the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we need action. Supporting women in farming is not just about gender equality. It is about the resilience of food, strengthening our communities and the sustainability of Irish agriculture for future generations.”
“While progress is being made and we are seeing a lot more prominent female figures in agriculture, we are still nowhere near equality. We still have a way lower number of female herd owners and farm owners and it is very difficult to access finance and land. We really need to strive to address these inequalities because as well as being the right thing to do, it makes strategic sense. When we look at generational renewal and at food and farm security, we need women. It has been shown that where women are involved and supported, farms are more resilient, environmental practices are stronger, community engagement increases and generational renewal is more likely. This is incredibly important in an Irish context when we face challenges in farm viability, ageing farmer demographics and a myriad of other issues.”
“Women have always been central to farming, food production and rural life, particularly in Ireland, but for many years their contribution was completely undervalued and unrecorded. For generations, women have farmed the land, raised families and looked after elderly relatives and they continue to do so, usually without formal recognition. I am very proud to come from a family of strong farming women. My mam started out as an An Chomhairle Oiliúna Talmhaíochta, ACOT, farm adviser and for many years now she has run the family farm at home, first with my dad and then later with my brother. My nanny raised 11 children while also pretty much running the farm, although that might be disputed by certain uncles. Women like them have shaped the Irish rural landscape and Irish agriculture and it is important that we pay tribute to them.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as a bheith anseo inniu chun ráitis faoi Lá Idirnáisiúnta na mBan a phlé. Tá sé an-tábhachtach go bhfuil comhrá faoi. I would like to highlight the importance of International Women's Day, which is still incredibly necessary and relevant. Statistics on gender-based violence, the employment gap and political representation all show how much we really have to do to strive for equality. The list just goes on and on. While progress is being made, we need to be very mindful of areas where progress is incredibly slow. Today, I want to focus on something positive, which is women in agriculture. This year is the United Nations International Year of the Woman Farmer, which is great recognition that is both timely and overdue.”
“I thank the Minister of State for taking this. I appreciate this is not under his Department and I thank him for the reply. I will definitely be raising this with the Departments of housing and Transport. I note the reviews, some of which, under Fáilte Ireland, will be undertaken this year. I will, of course, touch base with that agency. I want to stress the importance of this. It is a fantastic natural amenity and one of the only such woodlands left in Europe. As I said, it has a fantastic history. Up until the fifties, it was a settlement hub and people were actually living there. There is so much scope and potential for this. I would hate to see it being neglected or not included in regard to future tourism. Undoubtedly, it is of massive historical and heritage benefit and it is important that we would look after it and protect it.”
“I believe now is the time for action on this. Therefore, I hope the Minister of State will be able to outline whether the Gearagh is included in any current or forthcoming national or regional tourism plans, whether the Department has engaged with Cork County Council, Fáilte Ireland or the OPW regarding its future development and whether a feasibility assessment of a low-impact greenway or interpretive trail is under consideration. Macroom town is just a mile and a half from the Gearagh. It is currently going through a period of significant infrastructural development and investment. A greenway would complement this growth by enhancing local amenities, supporting the health and well-being of residents and absolutely boosting the town's appeal as a destination for visitors and tourists.”
“Macroom and the wider Muskerry area are ideally positioned to benefit from this. As a gateway to west Cork, tourism already plays a vital role in sustaining rural employment in our area, supporting accommodation providers, cafes, shops, activity operators and cultural attractions. I believe that a carefully designed Gearagh greenway, mindful of conservation objectives, could extend visitor stays, attract off-season tourism and strengthen Macroom's role as a hub for inland west Cork. This is about managed access, education and appreciation, allowing people to experience the Gearagh responsibly while safeguarding its integrity for future generations. Local communities have shown strong interest in seeing the Gearagh recognised at national level, not only as a protected site but as a place of learning and recreation.”
“Before the flooding associated with the Lee hydroelectric scheme in the 1950s, the Gearagh served as a home to many and its loss was a significant chapter in local history. Its survival today as a protected landscape reminds us that balance has to be struck between development, heritage and environmental protection. The Gearagh currently provides a walking area for many in the locality and is an amenity that could be transformed into an outdoor tourism hub. I also believe there is massive scope for a Macroom-Gearagh greenway. Across the country we have seen how well-planned, low-impact greenways can improve biodiversity awareness, support local economies and promote sustainable tourism when done correctly and in consultation with environmental experts and the local community.”
“I am seeking an update in relation to any current or planned tourism strategy for the Gearagh, which is just outside Macroom, County Cork. In particular, were considerations being given to its development as a recognised national tourism asset, including the potential for a sensitive greenway development? The Gearagh is one of Ireland's most unique and precious landscapes. It is the largest remaining glacial-alluvial woodland in Europe and provides a rare ecosystem of international ecological importance. It was shaped by the River Lee and is a place of outstanding natural beauty, but also an essential part of the cultural and historical fabric of the Macroom and Muskerry region.”
“We talk about security and defence and we have a massively increased security and defence budget but what about our food security and encouraging our young farmers? I appreciate it is within CAP and that our own Government has published a report on it but what are we going to do on a practical level to ensure food security and to ensure generational renewal within our agricultural sector? There is a lot of talk at the moment about the savings and investment union. How do we deepen the Single Market and how do we improve regulatory simplification and take burdens off businesses to allow them to flourish?”
“When we look at the national and regional partnership plan, NRPP, and CAP coming from within that, all of our local development companies and groups that receive LEADER funding are very concerned. Will groups be fighting for this funding for Ireland? Our NRPP budget at the moment is somewhere in the region of €12 billion with €8 billion allocated to agriculture and €4 billion allocated to the remaining supports. Is there scope there? I think Billy Kelleher mentioned that. The only way that I see, and it has been commented on by Commissioner Serafin, to increase our budget is if we have a larger input from member states and if they desire to do that because it is disappointing to see such a decrease in our CAP budget, in particular for our young farmers. We are not talking enough about generational renewal.”
“As democracy and values are very important and will probably play a large role in our Presidency, how do we deal with that? Second, I would like to speak about the multi-annual financial framework, MFF. During our last EU Council Presidency, we worked to deliver the final MFF and I would be optimistic that that would happen during our Council Presidency this year. In particular, I would like to speak about CAP reform, which has already been touched on by several of the MEPs. Obviously, it is incredibly disappointing that we have seen a decrease in our CAP budget and a change in the way in which CAP functions. We have seen the removal of the two-pillar system. Do the MEPs believe there is any scope for this to change?”
“It is very important that the MEPs are here with us today. We often see or feel that there is a disconnect between our representatives in Europe and our representatives and people here. How do the MEPs feel we can bridge the gap not so much with our politicians but with our people because our connection and our place in Europe have never been more important than now? We are seeing a massive fragmentation of the Union and of parties within the Union but also of politics at a global level. When we have a fragmented and a weakened democracy, it weakens us economically and makes us more vulnerable to other markets. How do we address that deficit? How do we protect our democracy and the rule of law because this is something that the Union stands for and it is something we definitely are not doing enough for at the moment?”
“The Minister of State outlined all the wraparound services available in the town of Macroom. It is a massive area. There is a population of 6,000 in the town and its surrounds. There has also been a massive increase in the population under the county development plan in the last five years. It is big area extending from east of Cork city all the way to Millstreet and Killarney. There is a massive hinterland there. We need this service. While there are fantastic wraparound services – and I commend all those the Minister of State mentioned which provide an excellent service – we need to expedite this. Community healthcare has to be a priority. I know it is but we need to push it further.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the reply. I cannot but say I am disappointed. I have been raising this matter through the council since 2022. I got the same reply in 2023 as I got in 2022 and the reply today, in February 2026, seems to be the same as well. I do not know if the Minister of State can offer any guarantee on capital funding. Are we looking at the 2027 budget or the 2028 budget? This is an issue that comes up every now and again. I do not want to leave this Chamber and issue a press release saying this is coming. I would prefer to be able to tell people in my area not only that this is coming, but that I have a rough time for delivery, this is a Government priority and we will deliver it when we have the funding. That is what I would prefer to be able to say, having raised this issue today.”
“Macroom is also very lucky to have a very active senior citizens group, two nursing homes and a community hospital. I commend the refurbishment work that has been done in Macroom Community Hospital, which is truly a fantastic facility. We were promised a day care centre as part of that facility. That has yet to be delivered. Progress seems to be very much static or stagnant. Looking at the population of Macroom and its hinterland, and the issues with an ageing population, these are the kinds of solutions we need to put in place and prioritise.”
“It puts less pressure on nursing homes and, ultimately, on the service user. It is vital we make these services available. Not only does it provide an opportunity for older people to keep up their social skills and avoid rural isolation, but it also provides a break for family carers who are looking after elderly people. For elderly people living on their own, it keeps them living independently for longer. It can also be linked in with therapeutic healthcare and access to healthcare through day care centres. The centres also work in tandem with services, such as meals on wheels which provides a fantastic service all over the country, particularly in rural areas. In both Macroom and Millstreet, two of the bigger towns in my area, meals on wheels provides fantastic services, and that is to be commended.”
“In both February 2022 and June 2023, I was told that a design team had been appointed for this, an agreement on the design proposal had been agreed and completed, the procurement had been finalised and it was waiting sign-off to tender. To the best of my knowledge, it still awaits full funding but I await the Minister of State's update on that. Those are updates I got through the HSE south forum in February 2022 and June 2023. It does seem as though we have made no progress in those three years. The Minister of State will be aware of the benefits day care centres can provide. This is a problem not only in Ireland but across Europe and the world when it comes to ageing population and the way we keep elderly people at home. I believe community healthcare and community care is the way to do that.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as a bheith anseo linn inniu. I seek an update of the status of the timeline of the delivery of a day care centre for the elderly in Macroom in the constituency of Cork North-West. I am sure the Minister of State will agree with and acknowledge the importance of day care centres. We see them all over the country. Macroom has a growing town centre with a big population and a massive hinterland from all over the constituency, from Aghabullogue to Coolea. We are incredibly lacking a day care centre right now, somewhere for our elderly residents to go to socialise, relieve rural isolation and keep in touch with friends and neighbours. This is something that has been mentioned for quite some time. When I was on Cork County Council, I was a member of the HSE South forum.”
“If the need was there last year, and the circumstances of the children availing of the SNA support have not changed, why would they not be entitled to an SNA?”
“It will put massive pressure on teachers and classrooms, and potentially lower the standard of education that the rest of the children within schools are receiving. This is an issue that affects many areas in my own constituency, but it is also affecting schools right across the country. I appreciate that there is a review and that an appeal system is in place. However, the feedback I am getting from teachers is that they are almost scared to put in an appeal because they are kind of being told that if they put in an appeal, there is every chance they could lose a further SNA. While I appreciate the need for the efficient use of resources, when we are talking about SNAs and educational supports, it is incredible that we are seeing such losses of SNAs under this review.”
“I thank the Minister of State for taking this Commencement matter. I appreciate this is not within his portfolio. I note the content of the response. I do not feel that it particularly provides many answers. The 45% increase in SNA allocation since the 2020-21 school year is well and good, but what will that figure be when we are back for the 2026-27 school year, when all of these reductions are taken into account? The importance of the role of the SNA cannot be overstated. As I said earlier, they are providing a service which, in many cases, is the difference between kids being able to go to a mainstream school and having to go to a separate or special school. Taking these supports away means there is no way certain children will be able to stay in the mainstream.”
“I urge the Minister to listen to schools, parents and teachers, and ensure that any reform strengthens inclusive education.”
“Today, I am seeking clarity on the current status and timeline of the NCSE review of the SNA scheme, and an answer as to why so many children with significant needs are now deemed ineligible. Why are kids who, this time last year, were eligible for an SNA now suddenly ineligible? In the vast majority of circumstances, their needs have not changed. Why is their support being taken away? What reassurance can I, as a public representative, give to schools like Aghabullogue and Bweeng, and the many schools across the country that are affected by this, that the decision can be reviewed and revisited, with the potential for reinstatement? We all agree that SNAs play a vital role in our education system, and nobody is disputing that. This review cannot result in a narrowing of support that will leave vulnerable children behind.”
“Many children with autism, sensory processing difficulties, behavioural or emotional regulation challenges or significant learning needs may not meet this narrow definition. Nonetheless, they require consistent SNA support in order to allow them to access education in a fair manner. Early intervention in these cases is key, as we know. Reducing supports at primary level risks greater challenges further down the line and runs completely counter to our stated commitment to inclusive education. Parents and teachers are anxious. There is a lack of clear communication from the Department about how decisions are being made and what the long-term vision for the SNA scheme actually is.”
“Teachers are telling me that without adequate SNA support, they will be asked to manage increasingly complex needs alone, while still delivering the curriculum to a full class. It is not fair or sustainable. It places teachers under enormous strain and, ultimately, undermines the quality of education for all children because this greater need will be placed on teachers where SNAs had been playing a role. What I find particularly concerning are the strict criteria being applied by the SENOs under this review. Schools are basically being told that SNA support is now effectively reserved only for children assessed as having level 3 needs, such as toileting requirements, acute medical conditions or profound physical disabilities. This approach fails to recognise the reality of need in our classrooms today.”
“Aghabullogue National School has been notified that it is to lose one of its two SNAs, while Bweeng National School has been informed it will lose two SNAs. I have been inundated with calls and emails from parents and teachers who are incredibly concerned about this, and what it will mean in reality to remove these front-line supports. As we all know, SNAs are not an extra or a luxury. They are essential to the safe, inclusive and effective functioning of many classrooms. Removing SNA support does not just affect the individual child. It affects the entire classroom because it affects the learning environment, the teacher's ability to teach and the well-being of every other pupil in the classroom.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, for being here with us this morning. I am seeking an urgent update from the Minister for education on the ongoing National Council for Special Education, NCSE, review of the special needs assistant, SNA, scheme. I refer in particular to the very real and immediate consequences the review is having on schools, children and teachers across the country. In recent weeks, schools across my constituency of Cork North-West have been informed of significant reductions in SNA allocations arising from this review, including the schools in Kilmurry, Ballyhass and Bweeng, and in my own parish of Aghabullogue, to name a few. These decisions are being communicated to schools without clarity or transparency, and without any meaningful engagement with parents or staff.”
“Supporting them means supporting better outcomes for water quality in the long term. This derogation is about recognising Ireland's unique grass-based system, supporting evidence-based environmental protection and ensuring fairness, above all, across all sectors impacting water quality. By learning from projects like Timoleague, holding all actors accountable and honouring commitments on assessments, properly resourcing implementation and maintaining farmer confidence by moving with them, we can continue to improve water quality while sustaining family farms and rural communities. It is essential that we achieve this balance.”
“However, for those involved in dairy farming in particular, uncertainty about the nitrates derogation is a major deterrent for the next generation. Young farmers are under pressure in terms of access to finance, labour and land and cannot commit to borrowing or land leases if the framework is constantly in question. This derogation provides a pathway for efficient, sustainable farms to remain viable and to pass on from one generation to the next. We need to ensure that this happens because without it we risk accelerating land abandonment, consolidation of land without succession, and regression of rural Ireland. Generational renewal is not just a social issue or a buzzword; it is also an environmental issue. Young farmers, as we have seen, are often the most engaged with new technologies, sustainability tools and best practice.”
“Funding for slurry storage must not be subject to a rank-and-select system. Slurry storage, as the Minister is well aware, is not a luxury but an essential environmental protection measure. Farmers who need storage to comply with regulations and protect water quality must be able to access funding in a timely manner. Delays or exclusions in slurry storage investment undermine what we are trying to achieve here. Above all, we must recognise that confidence in the system is essential. Farmers, as we have seen time and again, will engage, adapt and invest when they believe that the process is working and that it is fair and transparent. Finally, I want to address the issue of generational renewal when it comes to derogation. We speak often in this House about the need to attract young people into farming.”
“Publishing partial results would bring unnecessary fear and market disruption and undermine constructive engagement on environmental measures, which is ongoing. Staffing levels within the Department and associated agencies are also a concern. Completing appropriate assessments to the required standard, within the required timeframe, demands sufficiently trained personnel. At the same time, the roll-out of AgriNav to all derogation farmers is a major undertaking. It has the potential to be a powerful tool, helping farmers understand risk, plan improvements and demonstrate compliance, but only if it is properly supported. Under-resourcing either AgriNav or the appropriate assessment could jeopardise both, and it is not acceptable if we are serious about environmental improvements and farm viability. Investment is, of course, also critical.”
“We cannot continue to let farmers take the brunt of the pressure and the blame. I welcome the establishment of the Cabinet subcommittee on water, but we need to see action from it in this regard. As we now enter the 2026 derogation, including the need to demonstrate enhanced compliance with the habitats directive, I want to emphasise the importance of confidence and certainty. The Department of agriculture has given a commitment that the appropriate assessment process will be completed at least one year in advance of the derogation extension expiring, and that no results will be published until all assessments are completed. This is a vital commitment and it has to be honoured in full. Farmers cannot operate in a climate of uncertainty, piecemeal announcements or incomplete data.”
“Wastewater treatment capacity, ageing infrastructure, storm overflows and delays in upgrades all contribute significantly to nutrient loading in rivers, estuaries and coastal waters. In many catchments, agricultural measures are being implemented rigorously while urban wastewater issues persist, and this imbalance undermines confidence and fairness in the system. If we continue to ask farmers to do more, and they are willing to do more, all sectors have to be held to the same standard. Water quality is a shared responsibility and solutions also have to be shared. Water quality is a national asset. Clean drinking water and healthy ecosystems benefit us all. Protecting water requires joined-up thinking, investment and accountability across all responsible bodies.”
“They have invested heavily in infrastructure and changed their practices, often at a massive cost. A strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration is the Timoleague catchment project in west Cork. This project has shown how targeted, science-based measures, farmer engagement and local knowledge can deliver real improvements in water quality. There is a lot to learn from Timoleague. Progress takes time and properly resourced advisory services. It also requires a willingness to look beyond agriculture alone when we talk about water quality because agriculture is not the sole pressure on our waters. We have to acknowledge and continue to acknowledge the impact of local authorities and Uisce Éireann on water quality.”
“For thousands of family farms, particularly in the dairy sector, derogation is not an option. It is something that underpins farm viability, land use decisions and long-term planning and its loss would have had massive consequences not just for individual farms but for rural economies, employment and Ireland's position as a sustainable food producer. There is a perception that the loss of derogation would mainly impact big farmers but that is not the case. It is smaller family farms that are most affected by derogation. We have to acknowledge the significant work already undertaken by farmers to improve water quality. It is often overlooked in public debate, amid a media narrative that farmers are anti-climate and anti-environment. Farmers have engaged with nutrient management planning and reduced fertiliser use.”
“It must be clearly stated that the nitrates directive and associated derogation govern what maximum stocking rate a farmer is permitted. We are, as I said, the only country in the European Union to retain the derogation because we have a predominantly grass-based production system. Because of this, Irish farmers require a higher stocking rate than, for instance, Spanish farmers, where the climate and soils are very different from what we have here. Our method of livestock farming is not replicated anywhere in Europe. The nitrates derogation recognises this and it is not a free pass or an exemption from environmental responsibility. Rather, it is a recognition that when our farming model is properly supported, it can deliver food production and environmental protection.”