Are farmers’ efforts finally paying off?

By Daniel O’Neill

Will the demonisation of dairy farmers stop now? That's the question from Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher following an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report showing the lowest nitrogen levels in Irish rivers in eight years.

He said in the last decade the dairy community has taken extra steps to downplay the effects of dairy farming on the environment adding that he believes this new EPA report shows farmers’ efforts are starting to pay off. “Anti-farmers have used rising nitrogen levels in Irish waters to try and beat up Irish agriculture, and, in particular, the dairy sector. This needs to stop.

"We now have clear evidence that their work has made a positive impact. It is clear that we can reduce nitrogen levels without cutting the legs from under our thriving dairy sector.”

The Early Insights Nitrogen Indicator 2024 was developed to monitor nitrogen levels in 20 major Irish rivers. The study, published on Wednesday, shows figures have improved since last year, however nitrogen levels are still considerably high in the southeast of the country where agriculture is the primary source of nitrogen in the area.

Dr Eimear Cotter, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment, said: “The EPA continually strives to produce timely information and evidence on Ireland’s environment. Specifically, this publication responds to a need for early insights into trends in nitrogen levels. Agriculture is the primary source of nitrogen in Irish rivers and there is significant action underway within the sector to improve water quality. It is therefore very welcome to see these early signs of improvement.

“It is important that the sector builds on this momentum and continues to implement actions to reduce nutrient losses in a targeted way.”

Nitrate is a form of nitrogen and is typically used for plant growth, however too much of it in water can cause the growth of algae which causes a lack of oxygen in water which in turn negatively impacts plant and animal life.

The EPA will publish their report on the quality of Irish water later this year which will contain stats on nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations.

It will examine the aquatic animals and plants and give an indication on the ecological state of Irish rivers.