Ireland South MEP, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has called for cross-party and cross-group action at EU level, to fight to retain Ireland's nitrates derogation.

According to the Fianna Fáil MEP, there is less than six months until a decision is made on the nitrates derogation.

Ní Mhurchú believes that Ireland has to communicate a clear message to the EU Commission that the country has taken effective steps to improve water quality over the past two years.

She also highlighted that the Irish farming community has led "significant improvements" in water quality, which, she claims, indicates that more time is needed to allow for further results.

Speaking at the Tirlán Farming for the Future farm walk in Co. Laois yesterday (June 24), she said: "Farmers, not just dairy farmers, have been instrumental in improving water quality over the past 12 months by improving farm practices.

"Farmers understand the implications of poor water quality for Ireland,” the MEP added.

MEP Ní Mhurchú called for increased funding for measures, including the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project.

The scheme funds new measures on farms to improve water quality in priority areas nationally, and directly aids farmers with advice, support and resources to improve water quality on their farm. 

The EIP is a partnership between Teagasc, Dairy Industry Ireland, and the Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO).

It includes farm action planning which helps farmers to identify and target areas where action is required to reduce sediment, nutrient and/or pesticide loss to water.

It also helps farmers with rainwater management plans, and gives paid training to farmers on water quality management.

Ní Mhurchú has called for politicians, farmers, and industry to "come together" over the coming six months to secure Ireland’s nitrates derogation at EU level.