Deadline on nitrates derogation could be extended beyond 2025 - Mullooly

The new EU environment commissioner designate has told Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly she is willing to look again at the timeframe for a final decision on the retention of the nitrates derogation by Ireland.

In a meeting with MEP Mullooly and his colleague Roscommon Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice in the MEP's office in Strasburg on Thursday, October 10, Jessika Rosswall from Sweden said she would support all countries in their efforts to meet the required standards in this regard over and above the period of 18 months already set out.

When asked, she confirmed she would visit the Midlands North West constituency to see the improvements being made by farmers.

"The most important thing is dialogue and I see a good dialogue with Ireland in this area" the Commissioner-designate said.

MEP Mullooly told the Commissioner-designate that Irish water quality was among the best in any member state in Europe and though more improvements needed to be made by municipal authorities, it would take time. The Commissioner Designate said she accepted that and time could be made available.

Commissioner-designate Roswall refused to be drawn on whether farmers and landowners would be compulsorily required to comply with the nature restoration act but said that compliance was a matter firstly for the Irish Government

MEP Mullooly and Deputy Fitzmaurice told her in response that they would be holding further discussions with the Irish Government to ensure that all involvement was of a voluntary nature.

The meeting also heard an appeal by MEP Mullooly on behalf of the residents of the Lough Funshinagh area of Roscommon where the shortcomings of the Habitats directive have forced families from their homes due to severe flooding.

"Commissioner-designate Roswall said she will look at the Habitats directive again and the need we expressed for a new new legislation to protect human life " MEP Mullooly said

After the meeting Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, who joined the meeting virtually, said Independent Ireland will put the welfare of farmers to the forefront but new legislation may be required to ensure that the nature restoration act is applied on a voluntary basis.