EU Extends Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation for Three More Years

The Nitrates Directive is designed to protect Europe’s rivers, lakes, and groundwater from agricultural nitrate pollution. While the rules normally limit how much livestock manure farmers can apply to their land, countries may request a derogation if they can prove it will not harm water bodies or protected habitats. Ireland has held such an exemption since 2007.

The European Commission has confirmed that Ireland will retain its special exemption under the EU Nitrates Directive for an additional three years, beginning on 1 January 2026. The extension was backed by all Member States in early December and comes with new environmental conditions aimed at improving water quality. The Nitrates Directive is designed to … Continue reading EU Extends Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation for Three More Years