Nitrates

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The Nitrates Directive.

The Nitrates Directive is implemented by means of the Nitrates Action Programme (NAP), is the key agricultural measure in Ireland’s River Basin Management Plan for preventing and reducing water pollution from nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) arising from agricultural sources.   It provides new measures focusing on intercepting and breaking the pathways that transport nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment from farmland to waters. It addresses soil fertility problems to improve nutrient use.  Ireland’s Sixth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) 2026–2028 is a set of regulatory and non-regulatory measures aimed at protecting water quality from agricultural nutrient pollution. Developed by the Department of Housing and Department of Agriculture, it includes tighter controls on nutrient management, increased slurry storage, and stricter enforcement for 2026.  Under the Nitrates Regulations farmers must not apply more than 170kgs of nitrogen from livestock manure per hectare per year. However, grassland farmers, with grazing stock, may apply annually for a derogation to apply up to a limit of 220 or 250kg per hectare in a calendar year, under certain conditions. Water Quality

Key Aspects of the 6th NAP (2026-2028:

  • Milking Platform Declaration: Dairy farmers must declare their milking platform to improve nutrient distribution on fragmented holdings.,
  • Increased Storage: Expanded slurry and soiled water storage capacity requirements for dairy farmers, driven by Teagasc research.,
  • Nutrient Management: Stricter management of nutrient balance at the farm level, and
  • Compliance & Data: Increased enforcement and expansion of the DAFM’s organic nutrient movement database.
Nitrates DAFM

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    ICMSA Head OfficeJohn Feely House
    Dublin Road
    Limerick