An Irish MEP has called on the European Commission to clarify the specific conditions required for Ireland to maintain its nitrates derogation.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) yesterday (Monday, July 7) revealed that the commission has told Ireland it “must demonstrate compliance” with the Habitats Directive when granting farmers a nitrates derogation.

There are 600 sites in Ireland designated under the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. Sites range in size from 1 hectare up to 76,000ha.

These sites are designated as either Special Conservation Areas (SAC) and or Special Protection Areas (SPA) and are generally referred to as Natura 2000 sites.

Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly described the nitrates derogation as "essential to the viability of Ireland’s grass-based farming model".

The Independent Ireland MEP expressed frustration on behalf of Irish farmers for the additional European regulations that are now being demanded.

“The job of Irish farmers is getting tougher. After months of diligent work on water quality aimed at retaining our nitrates directive, comes yet another demand.

"An assessment under the Habitats Directive was never part of this process up to now. It was never needed,” Mullooly said.

The MEP said that in improving water quality and meeting existing environmental requirements, the Irish family farmers have delivered on those requests.

He added that this has been confirmed by the latest water quality report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showing "significant reductions in nitrate levels”.

“It is the clear understanding of the Irish farming sector that adopting new technologies and strategies to protect water quality, particularly in areas with higher stocking rates per acre, would be sufficient to meet the required standards to retain the derogation.

“Farmers need clarity. I'm calling on the Irish agriculture minister [Martin Heydon] to engage with the commissioner and seek clear, concise guidelines and stop this ridiculous charade that's going on, before the commission moves the goalposts again," Mullooly said.