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06 Sept 2025

Cabinet committee on Water Quality to secure retention of the Nitrates Derogation is welcomed

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council meets Taoiseach

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Cathaoirleach of the new Tipperary County Council, Councillor Declan Burgess

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26 Feb 2025 11:33 AM

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news@tipperarystar.ie

The Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council Councillor Declan Burgess today welcomed the establishment of the Cabinet committee on Water Quality to secure the retention of the Nitrates Derogation.
 
Cllr Declan Burgess said: “This was a key commitment from Fine Gael and something I have supported in terms of securing in party policy. Fine Gael campaigned during the general election on the need for a Cabinet Committee on Water Quality chaired by the Taoiseach to coordinate water quality improvements across all sectors but crucially to secure Ireland’s nitrates derogation.
“This was a promise Simon Harris made to farmers. Our Fine Gael team negotiated for this in the Programme for Government and the Cabinet has now agreed the establishment of the committee, which will meet quarterly and will do everything within its power to make the case at EU level to secure the retention of the Nitrates Derogation given our unique grass-based production model.
 
“It is important to note the role that farmers have played, and continue to play, in enhancing water quality.
“The reality is that there is water quality issues, particular in our rivers in Ireland. However, there are multiple sectors that contribute to the challenges faced and there is a number of agencies who need to step up and act. Farmers too often get the sole blame and that is wrong.
“It’s important that we see evidence-based solutions to assist farmers in improving water quality. In my own area Uisce Eireann must deliver the long waited waste water treatment plant in Golden, where continuous raw sewage is being pumped into the River Suir” said Fine Gael’s Burgess.
Burgess concluded "The nitrates derogation is a vital national resource that supports a key sector of our economy, and Ireland must do everything possible to protect it.
“Today’s announcement provides the agricultural sector with confidence and assurance that retaining our derogation will be a collective national effort, driven from the highest levels of Government."
Furthermore, he pointed to recent findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which show a clear improvement in water quality.

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