Eamon Carroll ICMSA edited on 7th July 2025

Department must publish Nitrogen and Phosphorus Interim Statements immediately – “Farmers unable to make decisions through lack of up-to-date information”

The Deputy President of ICMSA, Eamon Carroll, has called on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to publish the interim Nitrogen and Phosphorus (N & P) as a matter of urgency.  Mr Carroll, who also chairs the Farm & Rural Affairs Committee, said that in light of ongoing focus on water quality, derogation applications and nutrient management it was, frankly, astonishing that we have entered the last ‘third’ of the year and were still without an updated statement for 2025.   Mr. Carroll noted that the 2024 Statements were published in July and with the introduction of the slurry movement ‘app’, it had been expected that statements would be published earlier than even that for 2025.

“The delay in finalising the interim statements has left farmers and advisors without the information and clarity needed to plan effectively for compliance as we enter the final weeks to export slurry and adjust cattle numbers or take temporary grazing.   How have we reached a situation where farmers trying their utmost to protect water quality are being hampered in their ability to make compliance decisions by the very group that regulates the farmers actions? And particularly where we were told that the inclusion of technology in the format of the Organic Slurry Movement ‘app’ was going to give us near ‘Real Time’ information and updates?  So far from that happening, we’re actually going to get the information later this year than we did last year. This is bizarre and there must be no further delay in the publication of these statements if the Department want farmers to keep on the correct track and avoid unnecessary penalties.  Farmers are playing their role in improving water quality and it is hugely disappointing to have to note that the Department is falling short on their end by not providing up-to-date information. The Minister has to get after this and ensure that the interim statements are made available at the first opportunity”, said Mr. Carroll.

Ends     3 September 2025

Eamon Carroll, 087-6312945

Deputy President, ICMSA

Or

Cathal MacCarthy, 087-6168758

ICMSA Press Office